The 7th Victim

by Alan Jacobson Narrated by Lila Wellesley

Overview

A brutal serial killer known as “Dead Eyes” is lurking in the backyard of the famed Virginia FBI Profiling Unit. Despite the gifted profiling skills of Special Agent Karen Vail, the psychopath is always one step ahead with uncanny knowledge of the FBI's detailed strategy of pursuit. Threatening to derail the investigation and her career is Vail's contentious divorce from an abusive husband and an ugly custody battle. As Vail fights to find the killer before he murders more young women, she must battle forces determined to bring her down.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

In Jacobson's tepid third thriller (after Hunted and False Accusations), FBI profiler Karen Vail is obsessed with bringing to justice the Dead Eyes Killer, who's gruesomely slain several women in Virginia. The action alternates between Karen's attempts to unravel the clues left behind at the crime scenes and glimpses of the Dead Eyes Killer himself as he stalks future victims. A messy divorce and custody battle threaten to distract Karen, as do her tentative relationship with a local detective and disturbing revelations about her family history. The author fails to put a fresh spin on any of the genre's clichés-the serial killer who taunts law enforcement, the FBI agent with an implausible connection to the case, the chaotic crime scene that contains clues only the hero can crack. Though Jacobson's research into the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit is evident, he overloads his story with too much information and unbelievable coincidences. 5-city author tour. (Nov.)

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Library Journal

In Jacobson's (The Hunted) enthralling and fast-paced thriller, FBI agent Karen Vail must ID a deranged serial killer while grappling with an abusive ex-husband, a custody battle for her teenage son, and the expected professional conflicts. The story reaches an incredulous conclusion but should keep suspense fans pleased. Actress/voice-over artist Lila Wellesley's expert, steady reading sustains the tension. Recommended for mystery and suspense collections in public libraries. [The Vanguard hc, recently optioned for film, was "strongly recommended for all popular fiction collections," LJ9/15/08.-Ed.]
—Phillip Oliver

From the Publisher

As one of the founding fathers of the FBI profiling unit, I can unequivocally state that The Seventh Victim sets a new standard for serial killer novels. Like Silence of the Lambs did twenty years ago, The Seventh Victim redefines the genre and brings it into the twenty-first century. With meticulous research and dead-on accuracy, Alan Jacobson has not only written a gripping, twisting thriller, he’s created a must-read book.” —Robert Ressler, world renowned FBI profiler (retired), founder of the FBI’s VICAP (Violent Criminal Apprehension Program), recognized “father” of serial killer research, international lecturer, and bestselling author

“There are thrillers which you read once, then throw away. Alan Jacobson has written a book that is fast paced and intense and will make sure you’ll read it over and over again. A masterful work—dark, creepy, yet at the same time you won’t be able to put it down.” —The Strand Magazine

“[The 7th Victim] has all the ingredients for a best-selling psychological thriller: strong female lead, multifaceted serial killer, compelling plot, and just enough secrets and surprises to keep the adrenaline racing.” —School Library Journal

Product Details

BN ID:	2940175760249
Publisher:	Phoenix Books, Inc.
Publication date:	01/01/2009
Edition description:	Unabridged

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