Show of Evil (Vail Stampler)

by William Diehl

Book Overview

It begins with a shocking, unsolved murder. In small town in southern Illinois, the butchered body of Linda Balfour--with a cryptic code printed in blood on the back of her head--forges a gruesome... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 034537536X
• Release Date: May 1996
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 0.9" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

A work of Masterpiece

I encountered this book by simple and plain old luck. In my college reading class my Teacher Mrs. Hamilton was having a book sale of pre used books that where from her own collection. These book's where truly a good bargain so I didn't let the opportunity pass. So I looked over and glanced at some of the books on the rack for sale, at first it didn't seem there was anything of interest for me to purchase. To my surprise however I ran across book that seemed intriguing so I picked it up and read the back. To be truthfully honest at first I didn't realize what it was until I completed reading the back of the book. After realizing what it was I didn't hesitate for a second to purchase it. While reading Show of Evil I received a lot of joy and ended my curiosity of what happened after Primal Fear. The book was Excellent and well written and kept me suspense from beginning to end. Thus I recommend this novel for all to read

Great sequel to Primal Fear

A one-two punch with Primal Fear. Make sure you read the super Primal Fear first then enjoy the continued story...it just keeps getting better. Left the door open for a continuance with another unexpected ending. I hope there is more!!!!

THE BEST SEQUEL!

I absolutely love this book! It's very interesting, intriguing, and pure evil! Just like the kind of story that I want to expect but didn't expect from the beginning. I also love the way Stampler and Vail plays hide and seek! Brag a copy for yourself now! You won't be disappointed!!!

JOLLY GOOD SHOW

This brilliant sequel to "Primal Fear" establishes Diehl as one of the primo writers of the mystery/suspense genre. This novel has more plotlines than any I've ever read. Although some have said it loses focus, I don't think so. The different mysteries are well-conceived, and we want the killers to be brought to justice. In Darby's case, accused of killing his wife, we see what a sleezebag he is, and cheer Shana Parva on in her quest to bring him to justice. The case of Edith Stoddard, the executive secretary who admits to killing her lover/boss, is more difficult to cheer, because there's something fishy in her confession. The denouement of this particular crime is somewha nebulous, but still packs a punch. The main interest for all "Primal Fear" fans is the reappearance of Aaron Stampler. Someone is murdering people in the same grisly fashion Stampler did; only Stampler is locked up in maximum security and cannot be committing the crimes himself, so is there a copycat or an accomplice? And what about the identities of the newest victims? Hmmm....this is a crafty plot, indeed. If you think hard enough, you will be able to identify the culprit who is aiding Aaron.Along with these plots, it's nice to see some romance develop for Martin Vain and Jane Venable and also Shana Parva and Flaherty. A well done book, with exciting sequences and some truly chilling ones, too. Will make all UPS drivers think twice about rural deliveries!

Hope to see more of Vail and his Wild Bunch

I like the way Diehl tells a story. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to all. I like Vail and his Wild Bunch. The only thing that disappointed me was their inadequate surveillance of Stampler in Chicago...I couldn't see them screwing up so badly at such a simple and crucial task. I read Primal Fear 6 month ago. Decided to wait that long before reading Show of Evil because I know how serials can some times be disappointing. This way it was like starting from scratch.