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Are You Afraid of the Dark? Sidney Sheldon
HarperCollins
Reviewed by Lisa Hoult (Courtesy Taranaki Daily News)

I've always associated Sidney Sheldon with Dynasty and shoulder-pads. Are You Afraid of the Dark hasn't changed my mind.

It starts with an abduction and murder, followed by a string of seemingly unrelated deaths. A chance encounter brings the widows of two of the victims together. Though hostile towards each other, a ruthless attack throws them into a reluctant truce.

Meanwhile, Tanner Kingsley, chief executive of an international think tank, is on the verge of an astounding discovery. This has a huge implication in that the execution of this find could give him absolute power over the rest of the world.

The deaths of their husbands has irrevocably linked these women with Kingsley, and though completely unprepared for the battle to save their lives, they must figure out a way to beat this master of power – or condemn themselves to death.

The action flows, but in a contrived way, and the twist is more of a gentle curve.