Rating: 
Summary: Legal action AND a great THRILLER to boot!
Review: I'm gonna tell you right now, the last line of this book alone is worth the purchase price (and a lot more). I was left thinking about this book long after I finished it. TRUST me, if you saw the movie version, you will be forever disappointed with how they twisted it for whatever reasons to make it NOWHERE NEAR as good as it could and should have been. Aaron Stampler is a FANTASTIC character, not 2-dimensional like so many in popular fiction today. Fully realized, and VERY complex. IS he guilty? Does he really have multiple personalities? OR is he a genius PRETENDING to be a somewhat backwards inbred mountain outcast? These questions will be raised and it won't be until the INCREDIBLE conclusion on the VERY LAST PAGE that you will be treated to one of my all-time favorite endings. 'Primal Fear' ranks as one of my favorite books, and after you finish it, I'm sure you will agree that it deserved all of the praise it received. I have to admit, the following sequels to 'Primal Fear' just didn't do it for me. I tried, honest to goodness I TRIED to enjoy them as much, but it didn't happen. And if someone tells you that one of the sequel's are BETTER than 'Primal' DON'T BELIEVE IT. If you count yourself a fan of John Grisham, Steve Martini, Richard North Patterson or MY personal favorite legal thriller author: Phillip Margolin do yourself a supreme favor and pick this amazing thriller up and devour it TODAY.
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent game-player's book
Review: I read this book a few years back, and loaned it to a good buddy. Four hours later, after he'd read it, we got together for a Steinlager and a chat; the topic under discussion was "Who would play Marty Vail in the movie?" It's a book that shouted "Make Me Into A Movie!!" And so they did. But Richard Gere as Marty Vail?? No way! If you've seen the movie but not read the book, then pick it up and devour it. The film was... OK. People I know who haven't read the book say the flick's fabulous. But the book's so much better. The plot is so much richer, and the court-room scenes would have Grisham wishing he could write half as convincingly. Good gore, good psychology (whether it's accurate is another matter. It reads well.) and all 'round, it's fun. Relax with it, and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: The kind of book that keeps you up after the lights go out
Review: This book leaves you panting...you will not want to put it down. It involves some well-drawn characters and a pulse-pounding plot, and an ending that sends chills up and down your spine. Martin Vail is the hero of the story, a lawyer charged with representing a young boy accused of a brutal killing. The book tells the story of building the boy's defense, and trying to save him from an open-and-shut prosecution case and a date with the electric chair. The writing is well done, the plotting is terrific and the finale is breath-taking. This is the book Michael Crichton hopes to write when he grows up!
Rating:
Summary: Prepare to check out of reality!
Review: Tell your family that you'll see them in a few days! Once you pick up this book " . . . Fahget about it! " you won't put it down until the last page. It is a spine tingling and believable masterpiece of suspense and horror. This is my first experience with this author but I've already picked up another of his thrillers and am prepared to "check out of reality" until I'm done. Prepare yourself to read about some graphically violent scenes so if your stomach is a bit weak and squeamish, this book isn't for you. The book makes up for it by educating the reader to the complexity and authenticity of emotional disorders . . . or does it? You'll just have to find out! Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: a good book with bad ending
Review: this book is never dull. but it contains only little suspense. the ending makes the whole book looks bad! (can an intelligent boy hide in a 'closet' after murdering someone?)
Rating:
Summary: Worth Your Time
Review: Primal Fear is a captivating thrilling book. It is a great novel because it has such a twisted ending and keeps you interested throughout the whole book. The story is about a 19-year-old southern boy named Aaron Stampler who has been accused of mutilating the famous archbishop. Mr. Vail, the famous "bad boy" lawyer who recently won 8 million dollars from his latest case, was assigned to defend Aaron Stampler. Everyone thinks they know the boy is guilty becasue the boys fingerprint is all over the scene of the crime in the archbishop's blood. Soon they discover, with the help of a professional psychaitrist, that Aaron has multiple personnality... only to discover they were wrong. But the only problem is, is that the court has accepted the temporary insanity plea and no one could possibly believe Mr. Vail because Aaron has persuaded everyone to believe that he's a real lunatic. This is a very excellent book. The language was fairly easy but some words were too political. But overall, I reccommend this amazing book.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely tactical and spine-tingling
Review: The story is full of suspense which eventually brings you to an unexpected end especially the very end of the story (which is full of anticipations). It has full time professional approach and of course a natural background, I could visualise the scenes as if it were a movie in my mind`s eye. Although a horrifying story but it is very interesting.
Rating:
Summary: HEART POUNDING
Review: William Diehl's Primal Fear was as thrilling as watching Tom Cruise 'wanting the truth' in A FEW GOOD MEN. His ability to have a professional and well researched background of Multiple Personality Disorder made the book both an educational and entertaining experience. Aaron Stampler's character- so innocent throughout the book and then so evil at the end, was a perfect example of 'nothing is what it seems'. The brilliant cliffhanger ending was better than any roller-coaster ride known to man (only difference being your heart stays in your throat and doesn't come down). William Diehl must be congratulated for this book as it is now a bible for me.
Rating:
Summary: ONE OF THE BEST LEGAL THRILLERS EVER
Review: This is perhaps the most exciting book I've ever read. One reviewer who listened to the tape only did not like this work. You MUST read the book. Experiencing "Primal Fear" any way but in print is not doing this great work and its writer justice.
Rating:
Summary: Psychological suspense and great law scenes work wonderfully
Review: I just got finished reading this and first, like has been mentioned in reviews in addition to mine, the ending was incredible. The book keeps you guessing right up until the second to last page about Aaron. Also, as mentioned, very nice love scenes, but it's curious to note that the women are on top each time...ah, but anyway, the courtroom scene was magnificently written and drew many, "Oooooh, nice one!" and the like from me as I read. All the characters are spectacular. I'm especially fond of Martin because I am a wise ass at heart. Aaron of course was the most well done. I am eager to pick up Show of Evil to see where the story goes from here.
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