Blind Spot

Rating:
Summary: Suspense Filled
Review: A lot of reviewers were pretty harsh on this book I think. I mean sure- we're all waiting for the book that deals with Ariel's amnesia- where she finds out about her "past life". But- that shouldn't stop us from enjoying the books that come before that. That's IF the author ever writes another book for the series that is. I certainly would like to read a final book about Ariel where she regains her memory!

Once again Mercer takes on two mysteries in one book- One dealing with Ariels friend Laya who has been blinded by what appears to be a very dangerous person. Of course Ariel steps in trying her help Laya figure out who is after her & catch this guy before he does further damage. The second story deals with a mysterious letter Ariel receives from a friend- one she knew before her memory loss. Here we see Ariel trying to dig up how she knew this woman and to get to the bottom of the meaning of this letter.

I enjoyed both plots- but here again I felt that Mercer is not talented enough to handle both well. I think perhaps trying one main plot might be best. The ending was not one I figured out, but I guess many did. The only thing with Mercer's endings is even though I don't guess them- they often leave me a bit disappointed. Like her explanations were a bit flimsy or cheap. It's the character of Ariel though that kept me reading the series. Overall I did enjoy the 4 books- even if they weren't the best I've read.

Rating:
Summary: Somewhat entertaining, but slow and predictable
Review: Blind Spot is an apt title for this novel, in which the heroine has many blind spots.... some due to amnesia, but more due to her almost unbelievable naivety. For those who read thrillers on a regular basis, there were blatantly obvious clues early on as to who the "good guys" were and who the "bad guys" were. I was very disappointed that this otherwise strong female protagonist exhibited such poor problem solving ability as well as little to no common sense.

Rating:
Summary: Somewhat entertaining, but slow and predictable
Review: For a thriller, this book moved very slowly. I got very tired of hearing about the protagonist's trips back and forth from LA to the Bay, and all the mundane details of her life. Also, the ending was extremely predictable. I guessed the 'killer' from the moment she met him/her. Anyway, it's somewhat entertaining, and definitely kind of creepy, but not the best plot or writing.

Rating:
Summary: Slow moving and poorly constructed (i.e. don't bother!).
Review: I found this to be just about the worst book I've ever read. Much of the book (and effort) is spent on a plot line with no resolution, while a second plot line is brought up that is totally disconnected from the first. The only thing that kept me going on with this slow paced book was the hope that some really intersting twist or subtle connection between the characters and plot lines would appear. In the end it was so totally unsatisfying and dissapointing that I couldn't bear to put it back on our guest-room's bookshelf where it had been left by a previous guest; I threw it out.

Rating:
Summary: Slow moving and poorly constructed (i.e. don't bother!).
Review: I found this to be just about the worst book I've ever read. Much of the book (and effort) is spent on a plot line with no resolution, while a second plot line is brought up that is totally disconnected from the first. The only thing that kept me going on with this slow paced book was the hope that some really intersting twist or subtle connection between the characters and plot lines would appear. In the end it was so totally unsatisfying and dissapointing that I couldn't bear to put it back on our guest-room's bookshelf where it had been left by a previous guest; I threw it out.

Rating:
Summary: When reading a series, it helps to read ALL of the series
Review: I was looking for information about a new Ariel Gold book when I found and was completely surprised at the negativity of these reviews posted on Amazon.com of this fourth book (Blindspot) in the series. Even though I started reading the series with this book, the writing was so intriguing that I was compelled to get the others and read them. I found the writing to be excellent as have my friends who are also eagerly awaiting the next book. Until then, we will re-read and wait. I suggest to all who found the fourth book confusing to re-read it and get the entire series. I hope that Ms. Mercer writes another one soon.

Rating:
Summary: Well-written realistic thriller
Review: Judy Mercer writes a very realistic thriller starringa scarred protagonist whose affliction will not magically disappear in the foreseeable future. Ariel's problem makes her a simultaneously stronger yet vulnerable person who still hopes to one day have her memory restored. The story line is filled with action, powerful characterizations, and a complex plot. BLIND SPOT is a fascinating, pulse-pounding thriller that appeals to a mainstream audience even though New Age readers will appreciate the paranormal elements.

Rating:
Summary: Tautly thrilling
Review: When TV journalist Ariel Gold's friend, Laya, is blinded after using a bottle of eye drops, LAPD thinks it's a case of random product tampering. Ariel, however, is not convinced, especially after hearing Laya's story of surreptitiously witnessing a brutal beating from which the victim died. Ariel is almost afraid to tell Laya that the one witness who cooperated with the police has herself been murdered while Laya was hospitalized. As Ariel delves deeper into the facts of Laya's case, she can't help but wonder whether there isn't some link to a letter Ariel has received from a woman hinting at yet another murder. Trouble is, Ariel, who is an amnesiac, can't remember the letter writer. By the time she figures out the lady's identity, that lady, too, is dead. This story is delightfully well developed, including information on the breeding and training of guide dogs for the blind. The plot is pleasingly plump and the characters well defined, blending together to make a taut and satisfying mystery.