Freak
4.1
23
5
1
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781501119248 |
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| Publisher: | Gallery Books |
| Publication date: | 03/07/2015 |
| Edition description: | Reprint |
| Pages: | 400 |
| Sales rank: | 525,271 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.00(w) x 7.80(h) x 1.30(d) |
About the Author
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Freak
4.1 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
23 reviews.
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There is going to be a reckoning for author Jennifer Hillier someday. One day, when her days are up on this mortal plain, she is going to have to answer to the dark gods with whom she made a deal to get her incredible writing powers. That's the only answer I can come up with for how she writes such gripping, approachable, moving and bold fiction.
I'm an avid reader of many genres; modern crime or psychological thrillers, are not within those categories of 'personal favorites'. Yet when it came to FREAK, I did not read it for a review, I did not read it because it was assigned to me, I did not pick it up as soon as I could because anyone wanted me to. I read it purely because I loved CREEP so much.
What Hillier does in this sequel is nothing short of breathtaking. Whereas CREEP was a story of madness, murder and the undefeated human spirit, FREAK is one of calm control, of inevitable outcome, of logic versus cunning guile...and then of madness and murder.
From the start we know what's coming. The reader spends the entire book right with the characters of Jerry and Sheila. We scream at them, beg them to run away from the madness of (soon to be legendary) villain Abby. But like us, they are powerless against the forces amassing.
Like us, they know right from the start, Abby Maddox is in control.
They stumble blindly through a series of grizzly murders, red herrings and personal drama that distracts them, and the reader, from the bigger picture.
The bigger picture? We're all just a moment away from madness, either in ourselves or in the very real possibility of the people around us.
I was skeptical when I heard Hillier was writing a sequel to CREEP. I was unsure she needed to continue the story left off with Dr. Shelia Tao (the most flawed yet relateable protagonist in the history of modern fiction)seeking rehab for her sex addiction and Abby Maddox taunting her from afar. But Hillier, another example of the most wonderful people being able to write the most horrible things, pulled together a master story that lays the groundwork for what could be even more in this series or, at the least, a strong sophomore entry into a burgeoning career.
In CREEP it is Tao's secrets that lead her down a dark path of destruction only after her lover, Ethan Wolfe's, own secrets come out. In FREAK, there are no more lies and secrets from our heroes. No more ducking about to hide anything. In this story, our villain has all the secrets, and in that way, all the power. It's an odd feeling of helplessness that stands in stark contract to the first book. As a reader, we didn't realize the power we had with our character's perspective. We were with Tao, strengthened by her will to survive, be it through attempts to protect her career, or flat out trying to stay alive. But now, we're all in this together.
And 'they' hold all the cards.
I'll leave this review with this thought. What is most bothersome about FREAK is that while the horror of CREEP takes place mainly in dark alleys and locked basements, FREAK's nightmare unfolds in hotels, jail waiting rooms, TV interviews. There is light, there are witnesses, there is hope and there is a strange feeling of security that is only mildly undercut by a knowing feeling of dread. We're never alone in Hillier's world, yet we're always vulnerable, we're always a target. We're always a potential victim.
Well done Jennifer Hillier. If you have the number of those dark gods, shoot it my way.
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I am so in awe of this author! This is thrill writing at its finest! Sequals can be hard, especially when the first act is so good. Creep was insane, but the twists and turns in this one were even better! Without writing a book report or giving spoilers, if you enjoyed Creep, Freak is a phenomenal followup! The ending also is just hazy enough that the story could end here, or the author could carry on with more from this cast of characters. Brilliant!
Warning: this is not a book for the young, easily offended, or faint of heart. Contains topics of sexual addictions, murders, and cursing and the story line is dark and twisted. If these things bother you, you have been warned here.
Thank you Ms. Hillier for a night of no sleep and fingernails down to the quick! You are amazing! Can't wait for The Butcher!
-- SPeeD
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Um, the free sample is just two pages. One page is the cover and the other page is blank. Why offer a free sample that's blank?
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Jennifer Hillier’s FREAK, is definitely freaky and fast paced, full of suspense for a psychological thriller, as readers get to return to the Shelia Tao series, and characters from her debut novel, CREEP.
Hillier’s fans are in for a real treat, as if you enjoyed these two first books, readers are going to devour THE BUTCHER, (7/15/14), as read an ARC, and definitely a thriller 5-star read and one I would highly recommend!
Jerry Issac, the PI is back from his near fatal encounter with crazy Abby Maddox, girlfriend of the late serial killer, Ethan Wolfe. Jerry is struggling with the aftermath of Maddox’s attack and is now thrown back into the middle of the investigation. In the meantime, (Jack the Zipper), a killer is loose, carving words about Abby, a psycho blogger, love letters, and they want her to go free.
Shelia Tao, the professor is back from CREEP, as she was the victim of Wolfe and was planning her marriage to investment banker Morris. With all the publicity surrounding the case, and her former sex addiction past being front and center, the wedding plans have been put on hold. Shelia and Jerry team up to uncover the killer and deal with the crazy Abby Maddox. Morris of course, is not too happy about this.
I enjoyed both books as highly recommend the audiobook as Talmadge Ragan, the narrator had a pleasing voice and kept the suspense high.
Jennifer is a pro at maintaining suspense, surprising you at the end for a twist you do not see coming. A talented author you will want to follow. Read all three books, you will not be disappointed!
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Feed your family, get that "honey do list," done! You will be unable to put this one down! What an awesome thriiler ride! I am so happy, to have found, Jennifer Hillier! I always thought, that no other serial killer thriller writer, could be as great as Thomas Harris or John Lutz! Even James Patterson! As the primary caregiver for my disabled vet, I love a really super adventure! I will not waste my time & money, on a "boring" book! After reading The Butcher, I knew I had found an excellent thriller writer! I can't wait to read Miss Jennifer's next thriller! Wow!
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A very good book but not as good as Creep.
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I loved Creep, so of course I wanted to read the sequel Freak. Imagine my surprise to see a $15.99 price tag on a Nook book! Needless to say, I will to be reading it.
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Freak and creep had me on the edge of my seat a must read!
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Good and creepy
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Not as good as the first book, Creep, but still spine tingling. Could not put it down.
Hope #3 comes out.
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Loved this series!! Keep up the good work.
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Great sequel to The Creap! Couldn't put it down.
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Ms. Hillier has written Creep and now this novel, Freak. I have to say I was a bit more impressed with Creep. I had already pegged the "freak" I will say, in the beginning, and I was hoping I was wrong, so that was a bit of a let down. But only a bit.
The story itself and the pace is engaging and I would defintely read anything else Ms. Hillier comes out with. For some reason even though the story moves at a somewhat obvious pace it kep me interested though she did concentrate on Dr. Teo and Jerry a lot and less on her fiance this time where I would have enjoyed more time with the fiance but hey, that's hardly a setback,,,wanting more is always good.
I liked it, plain and sinple.
I would definitely recommend this book to readers who have enjoyed Creep and the way the ending is set is seems as though it could lead into to yet another story involving the same characters as Creep and Freak and I think I would like to see just where everyone is going!!
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Obsession is taken to the next level in Jennifer Hillier’s FREAK. “Free
Abby Maddox” is what the killer wants, and that person is willing to do
anything, including killing women, to make that happen. Jerry Isaac
can’t forget Maddox’s attack on his life last year, but now he has to
ask for her help in solving these murders. As he and his former partner
delve into this twisted new serial killer, they are running out of time
not only to stop a killer but to keep Maddox behind bars. FREAK picks
up about a year where CREEP left off, yet the scars are still visible
between the main characters. I enjoyed visiting the characters from
CREEP as well as some new ones. Hillier creates sympathetic,
three-dimensional characters all around. The novel is fast-paced with a
quieter intensity. Hillier weaves a complex plot to a thrilling
conclusion. When I thought I had everything figured out, a new
revelation took me by surprise. I also loved how the author slipped in
her blog title, The Serial Killer Files, into the novel. Although not
as intense of a read as CREEP, FREAK by Jennifer Hillier keeps readers
guessing. I can’t wait until the next book!
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First, I would recommend reading Jennifer H., "CREEP" prior to
reading this book. CREEP was a great book and this is a great follow up,
suspense novel to it. After reading CREEP, I was very excited to know
that there was another book after it. I immediately got my hands on this
book and it was definitely a page turner full of suspense and constant
shockers...especially at the end! I finished this book in NO TIME! I was
absolutely IN IT from beginning to end. I do not believe in giving
spoilers in my reviews therefore I will NOT say what it is about outside
from the excerpt that's provided. I will note that the book was GREAT.
If you really enjoyed CREEP, you will enjoy FREAK just as much if not,
better! I really admire Jennifer H. as an author and cannot wait for
her next novel. I am a FAN!
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Loved "Creep", and loved this one just as much! It was worth the wait.
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It doesn’t get better than this. With Freak, the sequel to her debut
novel, Creep, Jennifer Hillier has reached new levels of greatness.
Freak picks up about a year after the conclusion of Creep. Jerry Isaac
is recovered from his near-fatal encounter with Abby Maddox, girlfriend
of the late serial killer, Ethan Wolfe. At least on the outside. Jerry
still struggles with the aftermath of Maddox’s attack on him and the
last thing he wants to do is get sucked into an investigation involving
her—but that’s just what happens. Maddox is in prison for what she did
to Jerry but on the outside, a serial killer is loose and that killer is
carving the words FREE ABBY MADDOX into the victims’ skin. Jerry soon
finds himself smack in the middle of the hunt for Seattle’s newest
serial killer and face to face with the woman he hoped never to see
again—Abby Maddox, who claims to be able to help said investigation.
Readers will be happy to see the return of Dr. Sheila Tao from Creep who
assists Jerry with the investigation against her fiancé’s wishes and her
better judgment. What follows is a twisty thrill ride that will leave
readers waiting with bated breath for the other shoe to drop right up to
the very last page. What Hillier does best is create and maintain
tension. Every single page crackles with it. Not one single word is
wasted in this novel. Taut is the word that comes immediately to mind.
The plot is tightly and expertly constructed, bolstered by characters
who are both flawed and immensely likeable. Hillier’s protagonists are
compassionately and honestly written and their counterparts, the
soulless, manipulative Abby Maddox and her legion of freaks are just as
fleshed out, their sociopathic behaviors laid out so perfectly by
Hillier that it will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
Just when you think you’ve got this novel figured out, Hillier turns
everything you know on its head. The twist at the end of this novel is
handled even more expertly than the one at the end of Creep. Everything
about this novel is exquisite. It is thriller writing at its absolute
best. Hillier’s sophomore effort shows that not only can she hold her
own in the big leagues but she’s going to be knocking them out of the
park for a long time to come. In fact, she makes it look easy. Fans of
the thriller genre will not be disappointed!
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A great follow up to her debut novel "Creep", it draws you quickly into the twisted tale... and keeps you guessing from begining to end.
I actually yelled "OMG!"to my e-reader at one point, eliciting some strange looks from my friends!
I highly recommend this to all thriller, mystery, and suspense fans!
@Casey_L_Clark
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If your a fan of mystery/thrillers then your gonna love Jennifer Hilliers new book "Freak" which is a sequel to her very first book "Creep".(if you havent read creep yet, you'll want to when you read "Freak") "Freak" is an edge of your seat thriller. A true " can't put it down" book. A 'sorry honey dinners gonna be late" or call in sick to work" book. Ms. Hillier is up there with Patricia Cornwell and Karin Slaughter! "Creep" and "Freak" should be on your list of must reads. You won't be disappointed!
KEEP THEM COMING JENNIFER! My rating is 5 !
Patsy. B
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