Amber Quill Press Category:  Mystery/Suspense Publisher: Amber Quill Press ISBN-10:  1592790313 Type: Fiction Pages: 100 Copyright: Jan 1 2003 A vicious serial killer is on the loose--and his weapon of choice slithers, rattles...and bites! A vicious serial killer is on the loose--and his weapon of choice slithers, rattles...and bites! "Read Pat Rasey’s latest thriller at your own risk and way before dark. It’s deadly!”--Ann Bachman, Lifetime Best-selling Author of Together Again Excerpt “Please,” was her watery plea. The whimpers turned to sobs. The rush of adrenaline had him sliding the lock free, opening the door just a crack. Light flooded the small space. The woman’s eyes blinked rapidly as they tried to adjust. The room grew deathly quiet. Time stood still. The two stared across the small space that separated them. Her eyes were full of fear, his full of anticipation. The sound of the rattle drew her gaze from his to what he held in his hand. The four-foot snake dangled from his closed fist. Her eyes rounded like saucers as she scrambled to her feet and drew back into the darkness of the closet. Oh, God, no. Oh, God pleeease.”

All About Murder Reviews by Sue Hartigan
FEAR THE DARK is absolutely terrifying. Ms. Rasey has created a monster that is even worse than the snakes he uses. The story is so realistic that if you aren't afraid of snakes already, you certainly will think twice next time you are near one. Or perhaps it is their owner you should be very careful of.

Not only has Ms. Rasey created an absolutely terrifying mystery; she has also created a story about a couple that at one time were very much in love. After their short marriage breaks up, they have to handle difficult feelings, and each other, while being thrown together on a murder case most of the time.

I absolutely love the way Ms. Rasey can have two completely different story lines going on at the same time, in one book. She interweaves them so well, that you don't realize that there are two. You can follow both story's with no confusion, and never skip a beat. She is absolutely amazing with this technique. And she has done it again with FEAR THE DARK. The only beat you will miss is the skipping of your heartbeat when you "feel" the snakes slither across the floor, ready to strike.

I totally recommend you get a copy of FEAR THE DARK, and set yourself up in a brightly lit place, with your feet up where they will be safe. Sit back and be ready to be terrorized. Loving every minute of it.

Romance Reviews Today by Terrie Figueroa
Gripping and intense, FEAR THE DARK is a perfect example of Ms. Rasey's gift for writing suspense. Each page winds the tension tighter and tighter - in both the investigation and in the chemistry between Jack and Cara - until the reader is held on a knife edge. As with her previous novels, the reader is never sure who will survive at the end of the story, or who the villain really is. This shorter novella length story in no way loses any of the detailed characterization or plot development of her longer books, and if it wasn't so graphically frightening, would make the perfect late night read before bed. But in this case, don't read it after dark, or things that slither in the night just might follow you into your dreams.

A compact story of suspense that carries a terrific punch, I highly recommend FEAR THE DARK for a spine-tingling read.

A Romance Review by Celia
If you're like me, Indiana Jones, and millions of others who HATE snakes, then be warned - this slithery suspense tale coils around your heart like an icy wind and raises lots of goose bumps! What does the police department do when women begin turning up dead - from snake bites? Well, they start by checking out people who keep rare venomous snakes. Good plan, but complicated by the fact that the lead investigating officer is still in love with his ex-wife, a forensics tech who is working 24-7 on the case! It gets even harder when Detective Jack Carter has to agree with Cara Carter's plan to "get closer to..." their prime suspect, who just happens to be a very attractive playboy with a passion for snakes! Jack and Cara still ignite flames when they're near each other, but their on-again, off-again romance is overshadowed by the horrible crimes, and the truly dreadful deaths! The reader is forced right into the mind of the victim moments before her death - expect moments of sheer terror when you read this story. Ms. Rasey has done for closets what Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" did for showers! Even though the ending is satisfying, no one really emerges whole from this heart-stopping adventure. It's a perfect finale for this trio of outstandingly dark romances. Read this book if you dare, but leave the lights on... and don't, please don't, go into the closet!!!