Jason Starr The Follower

The Follower

Jason Starr

St. Martin's, Aug 2007, $23.95

ISBN: 9780312359744

In New York City, Katie Porter is tired of being a swinging single as any male she dates seems to be a loser. Her current boyfriend Andy Barnett believes in partying all night while ignoring her needs beyond the physical; he begs her to please go all the way for his satisfaction even as he plans to dump her.

However, Peter Wells thinks Katie is the special woman for him. He watches her working out at the gym; observes her stopping for coffee on her way to work; and sees her everywhere she goes as he serendipitously follows her. Peter has plans for the love of his life to make her his wife having bought the marriage ring and their house. He takes the first steps by saying hello at the health club, which affirms his belief that she is the one for him. He has known since childhood when they grew up together and more so when he dated her sister unbeknownst to Katie. Nothing will stand between him and his woman not even randy Andy boyfriend.

This is a dark satirical look at the lifestyle of Manhattan's swinging singles. Katie is a fascinating protagonist as she wants a boyfriend who cares about her; Andy cannot resist the island's horde of beautiful available women as he wants all of them; Peter is obsessed as he wants Katie even if it means eliminating his perceived competition. Though purposely somewhat stereotyped to the point of dark lampooning of the disenchanted, fans of urban suspense thrillers will appreciate this romantic triangle in which death may prove the only solution.

Harriet Klausner