Predator

Wow. This book was...thought provoking, to say the absolute least!! I feel like I need to go scrub my social-media accounts now!

“Predator” is definitely not a book to read at bedtime or anytime you want to sleep, basically. Blackstock is known for her suspenseful books, and there’s a reason; this read is a prime example of it. I may have read a good chunk of this in broad daylight, heh.

Worthwhile for the story itself, as well as to learn more about the mixed blessing social media really is. If you ever wondered just how much you should (not) share on SM...this’ll answer any questions.

Topical warnings of note: Murder, rape, mildly graphic violence.

Also note that Blackstock is absolutely a Christian author and deals with the above show more from a corresponding viewpoint. show less

First off Blackstock is a competent writer, not great, but solid. So you won't be embarrassed recommending her or being caught reading this type of CBA product. Predator has an interesting, if not a very compelling, premise. It covers contemporary yet familiar ground: a murder mystery occasioned by an online social networking stalker. The subject matter is adult oriented (if you don't like reading about serial rapists/murderers, you won't like this story). There are faith elements (questioning God's role in an evil world, etc.), but the Christian themes weren't woven into the story very tightly, imo; they seemed stitched on and could easily be edited out in order to turn this book into an ABA offering.

My biggest challenge was the show more implausible "insider" world of the Facebook-like company that Blackstock describes. Some of the explanations as to how data is gathered and the role that computer programmers play in this story just didn't ring true. It was as if the author wrote about things she didn't have first-hand experience or knowledge of, but instead of doing research she relied on general knowledge that true "insiders" would find laughable. But then, most of her reading audience probably isn't worried about being extremely accurate in the details. I guess I'm too used to reading John Grisham and Tom Clancy - authors that Blackstock is trying to emulate both in style and genre, but hasn't quite succeeded.

If you enjoy a bit of mystery with some Christian themes and a moderate dose (at times a bit tedious, even) of socially relevant commentary, then you might like this book. But read it quick, it'll become outdated in a year or two. I give the book 7 out of 10. show less

This book seemed like a timely book to read with online social networking sites being so abundant. GrapeVyne is at the forefront of the book when a killer decides to use it as a way of stalking potential victims. Young girls posting every action in their lives makes it possible to “virtually” stalk them and disappear just as quickly. After the murder of her 14 year old sister Krista Carmichael is unhappy with the results the police are getting and decides to flush out the predator herself.

I found the book a good read and topic very timely. We should all be aware about how much information we put out there for the world to see. For my personal taste the book was a little strong in religious overtones, but that is my own fault as I show more did not realize Ms. Blackstock was known for writing books for a “Christian” audience. show less

Another good book by Terri Blackstock. This story, of an internet predator who finds his victims by the detailed personal information that they post on social networking sites, is pertinent to today's times. It made me reevaluate the information I put on the internet and the people I allow to see it. Very thought-provoking and very well-written. This heart-wrenching mystery with a tad of romance (just enough! - I'm not a romance person) will keep you turning the pages well into the night. Recommend!

A timely storyline that discusses the dangers of posting to social networking sites. After a teenager who posts frequently and revealingly is abducted and murdered, her sister and father vow to find the killer. The sister becomes outspoken about the dangers of online social networking and convinces the CEO of the site to assist them.

This storyline will make readers aware that they need to be careful what they post to online sources and who they "friend".

The book certainly portrayed the dangers of the internet. I did feel that it was a bit longer than it needed to be. That being said, I did appreciate the thoughts of the author at the end of the book.

The book certainly portrayed the dangers of the internet. I did feel that it was a bit longer than it needed to be. That being said, I did appreciate the thoughts of the author at the end of the book.