Rating: 
Summary: Sloppy about the details and an unconvincing main character
Review: I'm about 2/3 of the way through this book and trying to decide whether to finish. It is not a compelling story, and it seems very derivative. I've noticed several places where a small amount of research would have helped get the details straight. For example, Tess's boyfriend rejects the Californian Bordeaux and asks for a New York one. I believe that, as with most French regional wines, the label Bordeaux can't be used unless the wine comes from Bordeaux. Therefore, there's no such thing as a Californian or New York Bordeaux. The interactions among the various law enforcement personnel don't seem very convincing to me, either, but I can't believe at all in Maggie O'Dell as a convincing agent. A woman who leaves her gun in the desk drawer for the movers to find? She is so terrorized that if she was a responsible professional she would have taken herself off the case to begin with.
Rating: 
Summary: Great sequel
Review: I'm only sorry I read this one first and 'A Perfect Evil' second.. A great reading....
Rating: 
Summary: Great Second Book
Review: In her first book, A Perfect Evil, Ms. Kava seemed to be trying out the styles of several different popular thriller/mystery authors, mixing them as she presented the story. It was a pleasant read, and a good first effort. Split Second shows a settling of style, and more development of her characters. The range of Maggie's emotions as she dealt with the threat of Stuckey is portrayed in such a way that my own heart sped up when she was confronted with yet another of his victims. Alex Kava is sure to become a popular author with many thriller readers, including myself.
Rating:
Summary: You'll ask for Seconds of this edge-of-your-seat thriller!
Review: In this excellent follow up to Alex Kava's debut novel, "A Perfect Evil," FBI profiler Maggie O'Dell is again haunted (and hunted) by her crazed nemesis, Albert Stucky. O'Dell and Stucky have a sordid history together, as O'Dell spent two years studying the gory bodies and crime scenes left behind by Stucky, each one drawing her closer to him. His eventual arrest nearly cost O'Dell her life and has left her with deep physical and emotional scars. Now that he has escaped from prison, O'Dell is obsessed with stopping him and is convinced she has the best shot at succeeding. Author Kava does an excellent job of weaving emotional development into this fast-paced, suspenseful pursuit of evil. Maggie O'Dell is a fascinating character, remaining strong and resourcesful while going through turmoil in both her personal and professional lives. She is only able to do this through the faith and support of her friends. Encounters with these supporting characters provide a glimpse into the life of the real Maggie O'Dell, the one behind the tough exterior she presents in her professional life. All the while, Maggie's character is both credible and likable. Kava's writing is reminiscent of Patricia Cornwell's in her prime. Like many fans of Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series who have been disappointed with the last couple of books, I have been searching for something similar in the suspense genre. Well, search no more. Kava picks up where Cornwell took a wrong turn, creating a fascinating character in Maggie O'Dell. Give Alex Kava a "Split Second" to win you over; you won't be disappointed. Reviewed by Maili Montgomery, Mystery Ink
Rating:
Summary: You'll ask for Seconds of this edge-of-your-seat thriller!
Review: In this excellent follow up to Alex Kava's debut novel, "A Perfect Evil," FBI profiler Maggie O'Dell is again haunted (and hunted) by her crazed nemesis, Albert Stucky. O'Dell and Stucky have a sordid history together, as O'Dell spent two years studying the gory bodies and crime scenes left behind by Stucky, each one drawing her closer to him. His eventual arrest nearly cost O'Dell her life and has left her with deep physical and emotional scars. Now that he has escaped from prison, O'Dell is obsessed with stopping him and is convinced she has the best shot at succeeding. Author Kava does an excellent job of weaving emotional development into this fast-paced, suspenseful pursuit of evil. Maggie O'Dell is a fascinating character, remaining strong and resourcesful while going through turmoil in both her personal and professional lives. She is only able to do this through the faith and support of her friends. Encounters with these supporting characters provide a glimpse into the life of the real Maggie O'Dell, the one behind the tough exterior she presents in her professional life. All the while, Maggie's character is both credible and likable. Kava's writing is reminiscent of Patricia Cornwell's in her prime. Like many fans of Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series who have been disappointed with the last couple of books, I have been searching for something similar in the suspense genre. Well, search no more. Kava picks up where Cornwell took a wrong turn, creating a fascinating character in Maggie O'Dell. Give Alex Kava a "Split Second" to win you over; you won't be disappointed. Reviewed by Maili Montgomery, Mystery Ink
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding new author!
Review: It is rare that a new thriller/mystery author stands well above some of their more "experienced" peers. Alex Kava does just that! I have read both of her novels and have found both to be instant favorites. She writes intelligently with characters that are extremely well developed. She skips the hero persona that so many authors portray and opts for characters that are believable, although this particular book did have some farfetched coincidences. She does an excellent job of immersing you in her characters and the non-stop action. Both books were equally captivating. I intended to read only a few chapters one evening but couldn't seem to put either down. I anxiously await her next novel and encourage anyone looking for a new author to follow to check this one out. I was not disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Split Second
Review: Just when you think Ms. Kava is going to leave us hanging with a whole bunch of loose ends she wraps up most of the loose ends and finished this novel very strong. This novel was not as exciting as her first novel but Ms. Kava showed more polish. The plot has been done many times in the past (i.e. Thomas Harris, James Patterson etc......) but Ms. Kava adds her only small touches.
Good second novel!
Rating:
Summary: Really good!
Review: Kava knows how to put together a gripping story with winning characters. A great follow-up to her first book, A Perfect Evil.
Rating:
Summary: Good sequel
Review: Maggie O'Dell has been reassigned to a training position, for her own protection, since the escape of Albert Stucky 5 months ago. From being the FBI's top profiler, being demoted temporarily to a training specialist isn't something Maggie is happy with. Emotionally, Maggie seems to be a loose cannon since the escape of Stucky, drawing her weapon every time the doorbell rings or someone knocks. Maggie has just bought a 2 story Tudor and has not yet unpacked when neighbors start disappearing. Assistant director of the ISU at Quantico, Kyle Cunningham, assigns R.J. Tully to head the case after it's discovered that Stucky is at it again. After 2 years of chasing Stucky, Maggie wasn't about to bow out gracefully, and soon gets to aid Tully in the investigation. Stucky seems to be targeting any female that Maggie is mutually acquainted with. An emotional roller coaster ensues for Maggie as she tries to keep her head on straight and try to out think Stucky. Though not as violent as the first Kava novel this book describes some gruesome happenings. Some interesting characters and a couple twists with just enough suspense made this a good read. Inside the covers: "The decisions we make in a split second will always reveal our true nature, our true self. Whether we like it or not. When that split second comes, don't think, don't analyze, don't feel and never second-guess-just react. Trust. Trust in yourself. You do that-just that-and I'm willing to bet you end up with nothing more than a little mud on your shoes."
Rating:
Summary: Edge of the Seat Thriller
Review: Maggie O'Dell returns in Alex Kava's second book and this time, the horrors that were only hinted at in the first book are realised in full when Albert Stucky escapes from prison. And the horror he inflicted in the past resumes, but this time he seems to be homing in on Maggie. Kava has turned up the horror level and preys heavily on the reader's insecurities. It seems that no-one is safe from Stucky. The portrayal of Maggie O'Dell has been fleshed out in this book and we really get a solid feel for what makes her tick. We are given a greater understanding of what she has gone through in the past, and so, can understand why she appears so belligerent and closed to other people. She is becoming a much more likable character through the baring of her soul and fears, giving us even more reason to be terrified of the evil Albert Stucky. This is right up the alley of anyone who loves the honest to goodness psychological thriller-type books complete with totally deranged psychopathic killer. It is strongly recommended that you read A Perfect Evil first (it's a cracking good read, too) in order to get to know the characters and their backgrounds a little better.
| 
