Book Review: Raptor

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Raptor     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Dorsey Fiske
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Psychological Suspense   Thriller   Serial Killer   Adult Content
Forge, Oct 2000, $22.45, 224 pp.

His life turned ugly the day his mother walked out on him and his father. His efforts to stop her failed as she viciously threw him to the ground. Years later his grudge has generalized into an obsession that has The Watcher, as he affectionately calls himself, stalking young and elderly women. He waits for the right moment to break into their homes. He rapes them even as he brutally beats them. His latest pigeon, Janet Davis, is in more danger than his usual victim is, as The Watcher has found a knife that he intends to use on her. However, Janet’s boyfriend interrupts the proceedings before The Watcher completes his dastardly deed.

Janet is a strong woman who refuses to allow The Watcher to turn her into a victim. She reports the incident to the police, who assign Detective Kate Marbury, a sketch artist to the case. Kate works for the task force trying to apprehend the serial rapist. However, The Watcher raises the ante when he kills for the first time. Kate becomes one of The Watcher’s victims. After healing, Kate goes on the hunt as the prey becomes the predator.

RAPTOR is a fascinating work because it is told from multiple perspectives to include The Watcher and the detective. This enables the audience to understand the point and counterpoint between the protagonist and antagonist. Dorsey Fiske has structured the story line in such a fine way that the audience is haunted by the stark story. This exciting novel could clearly serve as the springboard for a very good series.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner