Are You Afraid of the Dark? review:3 stars (Disappointing... should it be classified as a mystery?...) - Four deaths in four locations - the link is that the victims work for the same agency -- KIG a 'think tank' institution. Global 'problem solvers' is a great premise for a plot but Sheldon does not deliver in depth. Are You Afraid of the Dark is a shallow writing. The author renders a 'script' that delivers a screenplay. The dialog exchanges are weak in content and relevance. The story would catch more attention as a lightweight, two-hour TV film.

Sidney Sheldon's name attracts readers because of the reputation he has established with award-winning screenplays, and such... The story picks up momentum of promised intrigue but stops dead... off and on... describing character's clothing, how he/she dressed for a date, how many Armani suits hang in the closet, where they went on dates, and other trivial thinking, so that, if those aspects were removed from the story, it would not harm the writing at all.

Sheldon doesn't fail on all counts... favorable are the technology aspects, such as business cards with microdot for tracing, the voice recording and voice impression units; the two protagonists, Diane and Kelly kick butt with their brainpower to outwit the antagonists -- often, but alas all ladies are 'lovely oval face... lovely figures... etc.' -- a definite turnoff to what COULD HAVE BEEN a deeper read and a page turner. Positive is the interesting plot, albeit faltering. Is this a romance or mystery... I say hmm? -- The suspense and dialog are weak. The ending is strangely farcical, but you will cheer much for disabled brother Andrew Kingsley. Recommended for readers who want a lightweight read. (Based on the paperback printing) Recommend: Sara Paretsky's latest FIRE SALE.


2 stars (Hackneyed) - The "dialogue" in this novel is so trite in spots you'd think you were watching a bad "B" movie. Plot is predictable, and elements forced to fit the commercial appetite. A good high schooler could do as well or better.1 stars (Even for a fluff novel, this is really, really bad.) - It's July in South Texas, and too hot for anything requiring actual thought: perfect Sidney Sheldon weather. Thus, I wasn't expecting Dostoyevsky when I picked this up at the grocery checkout- just your average page turner. I was still disappointed.
Usually, to find dialogue of the caliber exhibited in "Are You Afraid of the Dark" one would need to eavesdrop in a middle school. The instances of mind-boggling stupidity found in the 398 pages are far too numerous to reference. Suffice it to say: the thoughts, words and actions of the heroines are so insulting to women that legal action should be taken.
Skip this, and read "The Other Side of Midnight," "Windmills of the Gods" or any of the novels Mr. Sheldon wrote prior to taking leave of his senses.
Are You Afraid of the Dark? Features:
Author: Sidney Sheldon
Fiction / General

Are You Afraid of the Dark- is the Paperback version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around 7.99USD.