Book Review: Under Pressure

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Under Pressure     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Abigail Reed
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character
Forge, Jul 2000, $6.99, 416 pp.

In Michigan, anyone who wanted to get anywhere in the fashion side of the Cybelle Department store chain had to brown nose Lou Hechter. If they want to remain employed, they have to have sex when he wants it because it is an unwritten part of the job description. His latest target is new employee Karyn Christophe, who he hones in on like pinpoint radar in the parking lot on her first day. Karyn is starting over after a nasty divorce and a frantic move from Atlanta. She has obtained a court order for her crazy ex spouse to stay away from her and their daughter Amber. Starting this new job that her aunt helped get for her was caused by Mack’s constant harassment of her at her old firm.

Lou begins his campaign to sleep with Karyn with unwanted “accidental” touches and ribald comments. Though frightened for her job, Karyn refuses to be a victim again. When Lou tries to rape her, she records his illicit comments in a hotel room. Although whistleblowers are allegedly protected, the pressure on Karyn from the Cybelle management and legal team protecting one of their own begins.

UNDER PRESSURE is a well-written tale centering on sexual harassment on the job. The story line builds up the tension as Lou increases his pressure on a subordinate to sexually get in line. Although, Abigail Reed simplifies the complexity of the issue by allowing Lou to always think with the wrong head, the story line provides an energetic look at the extended impact of harassment on everyone within the circles of influence (friends, family, and workers) of the victim and the predator.

Harriet Klausner

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