I liked this book. I really, really did. But I didn’t like Richard. At all. He’s selfish, insecure, egotistical, and prone to bouts of jealousy. He’s not exactly husband material, even though Kate has been married to him for the past ten years, in what I can only assume was wedded bliss, until he found a bed more enticing than his own. Sure, he’s attractive for middle age, and he seems to take care of himself, but that doesn’t give him a license for adultery.And I’d have to say for an ex-CIA officer, John Powers isn’t really all that appealing either. He takes child molestation and stalking and revenge and a sense of perverted justice to a whole new level, and as long as he has a gun or knife in his possession, he doesn’t care who gets in his way. Yeah, he pretty much has that whole evil thing down pat.While Luke Dallas does have his finer moments, he starts out as a reasonably unlikeable character, and he’s become just a wee bit obsessed with rubbing his writing success in the face of Richard and Kate, to the point that his Christmas cards are filled with publicity announcements for his latest masterpiece. But he did change (and for the better) by the end of the novel, while Richard proceeded on his downward, self-obsessed spiral faster than Tiger Woods.Right about now, you might be asking yourself why I gave CAUSE FOR ALARM four stars. Other than a group of unlikeable characters (all of which seemed to be male), this book held my attention from the first page to the last. The story provided enough twists and turns to rival a West Virginia holler, intriguing characterization (if you exclude about a handful of males), I could practically taste the humidity in the Mandeville, Louisiana setting, and the book moved as swiftly as an interstate highway.If I didn’t already have more Erica Spindler novels in my Kindle, I’d certainly be adding a few more after this entertaining read.
I know that purists will be able to pick holes in this book but I continue to enjoy Spindler's books for their readability, the stories kind of sweep you along. This was a good psychological thriller with a bit of stalker thrown in - I don't know how I managed to read three stalker books in a row, go figure. This particular stalker is even more menacing as he is a CIA assassin gone rogue (yeah I know it's a little far-fetched). The tension is palpable throughout the book as the baddie seeks to exact revenge for what he sees as betrayal. A number of innocents get caught up in the deadly game. You can guess the rest...
What do You think about Cause For Alarm (2005)?
Destiny Van WardhuizenComposition 213 February 2013tThis book is about a young couple who has been married for a few years, but has been unable to have a child. Kate, the wife, convinces her husband Richard to adopt a child. What they don’t know is the mother of their adopted child is closer that they think. After getting everything settled with their new baby, Richard needs a new assistant at his office. His wife recommends that he hire a woman they met named Julianna. Julianna is obsessed with Richard and molds herself into Kate’s life to win over his affections. This isn’t hard to do because Richard believes that Kate spends more time with the baby than him, that he stats feeling rejected and is easily swayed into temptation. Catching Richard at Julianna’s house one night when he was supposed to be working, Kate kicks him out. That same night however, Richard is killed by a monstrous man from Julianna’s past. Forced to work together, Julianna and Kate run far away to an old friend that also loves Kate. They all make a plan to have the evil man killed, and succeed, so they can live on with their lives.
—Destiny
I read a lot of thrillers, but this book definately puts the thrill into thrillers! Erica Spindler paints a picture that takes you out of your comfort zone and into the world of the book. Experiencing the fear, paranoia,angst and all the feelings that the characters are feeling. The book explores topics from adoption to CIA spooks, to marriage, infidelity and the one who got away.I find myself breathing again, now that I have finished with the book. So stock up on some oxygen!An excellent read if you like nerve recking, fast paced and scary storylines!
—Nadine
Another suspenseful, riveting page-turner by Erica Spindler."Kate and Richard Ryan have the pefect marriage, marred only with their inability to have a child. The adoption agency's call fulfills that dream...and opens the door to a nightmare.Julianna Starr has chosen Kate and Richard to be more than the parents of her child. For Richard is the man of her fantasies, the one she's been waiting for. Stalking the couple, Julianna molds herself in Kate's image and insinuates herself into Richard's life, determined to tear their perfect marriage apart.But for Kate and Richard, the nightmare has only begun. Because Julianna is not alone. From her dark past comes a man of unspeakable evil.No one is safe-not even the innocent child Kate and Richard call their own."
—Louise
