Born to Be BAD (Bureau of American Defense

Book Description

New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon has created a sensation with her sexy stories about the Bureau of American Defense. Now, three novellas about BAD agents are collected in one steamy volume!

In the all-new "One BAD Night" the bureau believes that agent Jason Banks has sold them out. Agent Samantha Winslow has never particularly cared for Jason, whom she reluctantly finds attractive, and she volunteers to bring him in. Under orders to infiltrate his rogue mission and kidnap him, she is also trying to pull off the ultimate double-cross. But who would have guessed that Jason would be so pleased to be her captive?

In "BAD to the Bone" Marianne wins the Hideaway Heroine Sweepstakes and a chance to pretend to be the heroine in her favorite romance novel. Whisked away to a remote island, Marianne's daydreams become real when BAD agent Kyle Foster kidnaps her and uncovers her every fantasy.

In "'Captivated' by You" BAD agent Rhea must go undercover as a dominatrix to capture a deadly terrorist. Fortunately, Agent "Ace" Krux, whom she has long desired, is her training partner. Immediately, the roles of master and slave are wonderfully blurred, and Rhea and Ace unleash a wealth of hidden desire.

Customer Reviews:

Great As Always.......2007-01-29

Sherrilyn Kenyon is great as always. She can take a hoaky situation and make it a good sizzling read. I never miss one of her books, and Amazon is the place to get them!

It's fun to be BAD.......2006-08-25

If I understand correctly, some of the stories in this anthology were previously published in other anthologies, but since I've only recently "discovered" (read: finally caved in to friends' recommendations) Sherrilyn Kenyon's books, that wasn't a problem. I've also only read a couple of the Dark Hunter books so far, so I didn't have any preconceptions in that direction either.

The stories are loosely connected, all about agents of BAD (Bureau of American Defense, an ultra-secret agency).

In "One BAD Night," our heroine is sent to capture our hero, who has apparently gone over to the other side. She's been torn between disapproving of, and being attracted to him, so she takes the opportunity to torment him a little. Fun and games is over, though, when the terrorists catch up to them.

"BAD to the Bone," the second story, has our heroine winning a fantasy vacation--a trip to an island where she'll act out her favorite romance novel. It's a little boring... until she stumbles across our hero, a BAD agent recuperating on the other side of the island, who kidnaps her and gives her the fantasy of a lifetime.

In "Captivated by You," two BAD agents are going undercover to catch a drug lord. She has to pose as a dominatrix, and he is tasked with helping her train for the role... much to their mutual delight, as both of them have been secretly attracted to each other for a while.

The Good:
The humor. Much of it derives from the James-Bond-like, over-the-top tone. You can read the stories seriously, but they lose some of their charm that way.
The pacing. These stories are fast-moving and exciting, and since they're novellas, that makes them go even faster. They all feel complete, though, and not rushed or curtailed.
The characters. Although the novella form doesn't allow for much in-depth characterization, the characters are vividly realistic. I particularly liked the depiction of the loneliness of living undercover.

The Bad:
It is over-the-top. If you're looking for more realistic romantic suspense, this isn't it.
Some (all?) of the novellas have been published elsewhere. Make sure you check before buying.
The sensuality is self-conscious in spots. Most of the sex scenes are good, but I wouldn't buy this for the sensuality alone.

The Verdict:
The first story is the most emotional, the second the funniest, and the third the sexiest. All three are vastly entertaining, particularly if you're a fan of James Bond, or movies like American Dreamer (I'm both.). I intend to catch up with more BAD stories.

Just OK!.......2006-08-14

I have grown to love most of Sherrilyn Kenyon's work, however, I felt at times that she was trying "a little too hard". There were times when she just seemed to be going through the motions. It wasn't that this book of short stories (One Bad Night,Bad to the Bone and Captivated by You)were horrible, they just seemed to lack something..maybe they were too short. However, the one saving grace is the continuing story of Tee and Joe, who evetually have to get together if for no other reasons than the fans. But if you would like a quick read, with some entertaining sex scenes, read Born to be Bad.

Quick read, but it gets old fast.......2006-07-30

Born to be BAD is a collection of three novellas about members of BAD, the Bureau of American Defense. I hadn't read any of these stories before, so I didn't have the problems that other reviewers did with them being previously published. The BAD series is one of my least favorite of Kenyon's series, but these stories weren't all that bad.

One BAD Night: Jason Banks is an undercover operative who the BAD agency believes to be a double agent. They send in hotshot shooter Samantha Winslow to neutralize this threat. Little does she know that things aren't what they seem and she gets more than she bargained for.

BAD to the Bone: Marianne Webernec is a high school teacher who wins the Hideaway Heroine Sweepstakes. Her prize is to have her favorite romance novel brought to life with herself as the heroine on a remote island. The book she chooses is about undercover agents and surprise surprise she actually meets one. Kyle Foster has been sent to the same island on a forced vacation after being injured in the line of duty. The last thing he expects is to find out that he is Marianne's fantasy brought to life.

"Captivated" by You: Rhea Stevenson is appalled to find out that she's being sent on a mission with her least favorite person, Ace Krux. She's even more appalled when she learns that she has to play the role of dominatrix to catch a Bettie Page-enthusiast arms dealer. Luckily for her, she finds something redeemable about the whole arrangement.

Overall, this book was okay, but nothing great. The stories were short and I finished the entire book in only a few hours. Still, the stories get old and the characters seem to be the same in every scenario. The men are standoffish because their life as agents might put their relationships at risk and the women are sarcastic and tough to show that they can handle the pressure of the job as well as a man. If you're in the mood for a steamy Alias/24 type romance novel pick these up, otherwise Kenyon's Dark Hunter series is much better.

Really bad.......2006-07-08

I had hoped for better since I have been a fan of the Dark-Hunter series. Unfortunately, I didn't get too far in this one. It is highly unusual for me to stop reading a book regardless of how bad it is, but I managed with this one. The Bad series reads like fast money for it's author.

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Could hardly read it, but could hardly put it down!
A Reader
Book to Movie
BOOK / MOVIE
Crazy

Born Bad
Bill G. Cox
Manufacturer: Pinnacle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786002743

Customer Reviews:

Could hardly read it, but could hardly put it down!.......2006-07-17

I could barely read it, but i couldn't stop reading it! You won't be able to put this one down if you can handle gruesome stuff like this! This boy, severely disturbed by a childhood corrupted by a careless mother is distrubing to read about. To enjoy torturing animals and eventually humans in such a way, to inflict such cruelty or fantasize about doing so is so sick and unimaginable. His diaries which are in this book, are so hard to read, especially at bedtime, but you can't stop reading them either!

Jason Massey was a sick individual who deserved nothing less than what he got, and in some opinions, maybe more!

I suggest this book to anyone who wants to be captivated by the first page!

A Reader.......2004-07-13

I read Born Bad while I was on holiday in Fiji - can I just say that if you are reading this book I would read it short bursts, don't read it for hours on end like I did right before you I went to sleep.

I have read alot of horrifying books in my time but let me tell you this one sears itself into your memory I suffered some of the worst nightmares ever from this book. I found it very hard to believe that a young man that was as sick as he was, saying the things he said to anyone who would listen, was left to walk around terrorising society - not a soul reported him, nobody. I think a large number of people need to realise this sort of behaviour was like a red flag. Those poor children who were murdered because no one said a word - tragic.

Jason Massey was a sadistic lust murderer who voided his right to live by brutally torturing and murdering two poor kids who trusted the wrong person.

I think society as a whole has to take responsibility for Jason Massey and all those like him, as the book says females between the ages of 10 and 40 were at risk of crossing paths and dying violently with the female hating Jason Massey. Not to mention all the poor innocent animals he raped and murdered.

Born Bad is a terrifying but very real story of an extremely disturbed boy that grew up into a brutal monster and he could be living in your neighbourhood or terrorising your children.

God forbid...

Book to Movie.......2004-04-14

I live about 15 miles from where this happened then I was 15 yrs old. It was very shocking to realize that this was happening somewhere near by. This guy Jason Massey really needed help. I don't feel sorry because he was raised bad. I think it depends on yourself what you want to be and become off. When this crime was committed I was hanging out with my friends, and running around. But now as a parent I see things different and this book after so many years it open my eyes to reality that this can happen anywhere. I think it would be good to make this a movie, although I think the victims family would not like that. You hardly ever see something like this happening in a small home town where you didn't have to lock your doors. It was a good book but I think it's time a movie came out. For those who didn't know he was put to death that still doesn't make up for what he did.

BOOK / MOVIE.......2004-04-14

I live 15 miles from where this happened and I was about 15 yrs old. At that age you don't even think that something like this can happen. The town that this happened in is very small, maybe 30-40 miles south of Dallas,Tx. But it can happen anywhere, it helps you open your eyes. This guy Jason Massey really needed help but I'm sure nobody ever offered him help. It is sad the way he was brought up, but he didn't have to kill anyone. I'd really like someone to make this a movie. I know the family of the victims would probably not approve, but I think alot of parents need to open their eyes to reality that this can happen anywhere. You always see in big cities stuff like this happening not in little home towns where you didn't even have to lock your door. This was a good book but a movie should be better with more detail.

Crazy.......2001-04-16

I went to Jr. High with the kids that were murdered. It's scary to realize that stuff was going on in my little town. This book does a good job telling the story how it was...horrible. It makes you think about your own town

Born to Be Bad: Postcards from the Great Trash Films, Volume II

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Born to Be Bad: Postcards from the Great Trash Films, Volume II
Michael Barson
Manufacturer: Pantheon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Lost Lonely and Vicious

ASIN: 0679725555
Release Date: 1989-09-23

Born in a Mighty Bad Land: The Violent Man in African American Folklore and Fiction (Blacks in the Diaspora)

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Thug culture threatens Black America
Brisk and Original Study
a most compelling study
a most compelling study
From the Author

Born in a Mighty Bad Land: The Violent Man in African American Folklore and Fiction (Blacks in the Diaspora)
Jerry H. Bryant
Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0253215781

Customer Reviews:

Thug culture threatens Black America.......2006-03-17

My title comes from the 1/16/2006 newspaper article by Cynthia Tucker in the San Francisco Chronicle. This book by Jerry Bryant gives historical background on the "bad man" image and why it finds support in the Black community. "The popularity of thug culture is among the most serious of modern-day threats to Black America . . ." says Cynthia Tucker. The sad fact is that the victims are likely to be young black men.

This is a great book that should be read by all people interested in reducing violence in their communities.

Brisk and Original Study.......2003-07-03

A really interesting overview and analysis of the "baad man" as a central figure in African-American literature, tracing the origins from his earliest appearances in myth and folklore. Lively, literate without being pedantic, and full of interesting and surprising examples. Real insights into such major figures as Richard Wright and Toni Morrison, along with a fascinating section on the sources and achievements of Ice-T and the contemporary rappers that I, never a rap fan, found really eye-opening..

a most compelling study.......2003-07-02

Jerry Bryant has written a most compelling study of the African-American male using history, poetry, song, literature, along with myth and fact. This is a must read for anyone interested in, deeply or just superficially, the ways and the cultural whys and wherefors of the black man in american...yesterday and today. It is done with sensitivity and thoughtfulness and worth anyone's time...and it is damned readable!

a most compelling study.......2003-07-02

From the Author.......2003-04-06

This is a book about African American "badmen" like Stagolee, John Hardy, Railroad Bill, and Devil Winston and how this archetypal figure gets taken up by black novelists, convict "toasters" and gangsta rappers. It tells the story of the defiance of this black folk hero and how middle class novelists and commercial rap artists soften and exploit an originally spontaneous figure of freedom that first emerges at the end of the nineteenth century. Jerry Bryant is professor emeritus of English, California State University, Hayward. By the way, the 5-star rating isn't vanity, it's just that some rating is required by Amazon and I figured it would be counter-productive to give my book anything less. JB

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Vachss, Andrew Vachss
Streetwise horror stories
what's with the "ball peen hammer" references???
multiple punches to the gut and heart at once
A powerfully written collection of noir!!!

Born Bad: Collected Stories
Andrew Vachss
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0679753362
Release Date: 1994-08-23

Book Description

From a writer whose novels have been acclaimed for their unflinching exploration of evil comes a brilliant collection of short stories—some never before published—that distill dread back down to its essence—and inject it straight into the reader's back brain. Andrew Vachss might have scissored his characters from today's headlines: a stalker prowling around an anonymous high-rise; a serial killer whose transgressions reflect a childhood of hideous abuse; an inner-city gunman who is willing to take out a blockful of victims in order to win a moment of acceptance.

Tautly written and endowed with murderous ironic spin, Born Bad plunges us into the hell that lies just outside our bedroom windows.

Customer Reviews:

Vachss, Andrew Vachss.......2004-11-21

Oooh, I freakin' love this guy. I've read most of Vachss' books, but Born Bad was my introduction to him back in high school(thank you Mr. Piddington) and still remains one of my favorites. Like the title says, it's short stories here. Some are extremely short and play out like single scenes that could come from a kickazz action film. Vachss is not a razzle dazzle wordsmith like Clive Barker, but there's no need to be poetic here. He's more interested in getting down to the nitty gritty, and that's the way he writes. Vachss has knowledge of the things he writes about, he knows the criminal language and throws in enough classic one-liners for twenty Tarantino flicks. The first batch of stories are varying topics, the next batch follow a mercenary called Cross and his crew. Then we get some cool stories about a post-apocalyptic underground society, followed by more mixed topics. This book is a good introduction to Vachss. Most of his books are Burke novels, and you can start with that series if you want, but Born Bad is a great place to start to really get a good taste of Vachss' style. If you dig it, go ahead and try Burke, but if you can't get enough of Cross and the Underground, pick up Everybody Pays which is basically like Born Bad 2.

Streetwise horror stories.......2000-06-18

Andrew Vachss is a mystery writer whose work often times reads more like horror. Therefore, it is not surprising that his collection of short stories has the punch of classic short horror fiction. These are dark stroies dredged up from the depths of Vachss's fertile imagination. Usually, they deal with the worst impulses of man, especially the sexual predator. They are not for the faint of heart, but are powerful in their own way.

what's with the "ball peen hammer" references???.......1999-06-18

Is there something particularly painful about a ball peen hammer versus, say, a claw hammer? I don't work at Home Depot, but I'd guess that they'd probably do about the same amount of damage to one's head... although the claw portion appears more menacing than the "peen" (or is it the "ball"???).

multiple punches to the gut and heart at once.......1998-09-16

If you have read any of Vachss' novels with criminal-cum-savior Burke as protagonist, you should allow yourself the honor of feasting on his short stories. The title is a play on the world's take of how children are bad seeds, i.e., born with a bad streak, prone to be losers, and addled with overripe genes for destruction; this book is a one-man treatise on why that is, summarily, not true and it's done with the usual minimalist and spare style prose Vachss is by now famous for. My preference is for his short stories, and the why of that is simple: it's a shorter, more rapid, and much more heart-wrenching path to the much-welcomed truth that only Vachss seems willing to tell. For me, he is the male counterpart of the Greek mythological character Cassandra--he comes bearing the truth that no one really wants to hear, but the fact is, once heard, you can't take your eyes or ears off of him. For a nonstop, nonpareil ride into the gloom and doom of what child abuse is, where it emanates from, and possibly the solutions to fix its ugly cast upon the world, read these stories; you will weep and you will cry with joy at the sheer simplicity of it, right along with the cutting-edge prose that digs in and plants its tentacles into your heart.

A powerfully written collection of noir!!!.......1998-06-14

In his Born Bad collection of short stories, and three plays, Andrew Vachss takes the reader through an underworld which can be found in every major city, around the world. Yet is all too often, ignored by most of society. In this collection of ultra violent descriptive noir, some no more than three pages, Vachss's stories are some of the most powerful you will ever read. His prose hits you like a burst of gun fire, and it will leave many of its readers uncomfortable. Which is exactly what Vachss wants. As in all of his books, Vachss wants the reader to not only learn of, but to feel what a horrible subculture has developed in our nations cities. To feel the pain that many of our children feel, and to experience the horrors, and nightmare world in in which they live. Born Bad will do this and then some. For those who are already familiar with Vachss' books, it is a must read. And for others who are new to noir, or want to take a tour of the underbelly of the urban jungle, or "junkyard" as Vachss calls it. I recommend that you get a copy of Born Bad. This collection will not only make you stop and think, but you will never look at life and people the same way again. This year Vachss has published his latest novel Safe House. An excellent read, and I look forward to more books in the Burke series, and perhaps a Born Bad Collection 2. Vachss ranks with Raymond Chandler, James Ellroy, David Goodis, and Thomas Harris as a master of the noir genre.

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From Back Cover
hot undercover romance

Born to be Bad (Harlequin Blaze)
Crystal Green
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373791836

Customer Reviews:

From Back Cover.......2005-05-02

He's dark and he's dangerous. But reporter Gemma Duncan wants to break the story of businessman Damien Theroux's rumored underground dealings - which means she'll have to deal with the devil himself.

Posing as a waitress, Gemma scores a job at one of Theroux's legit restaurants so she can snoop for info. When the bad boy of New Orleans takes an immediate interest in his new employee, Gemma finds herself falling under his seductive spell.

Soon Gemma is lost in a shadowy world of naughty sex games, acting out her wildest fantasies with this dangerous man. Part of her knows she has to get her story and get out of there ASAP. But another part wants to see just how far these games will go...

hot undercover romance .......2005-04-12

Weekly Gossip reporter Gemma Duncan dreams of winning a Pulitzer while writing for the New Orleans Times-Picayune although she figures her chances of either occurring is about as great as she performing an ice skating triple axel. Still when interviewing psychics for a living, Gemma knows not to use her real name so she reports stories like love with Tarot cards as Duncan James just in case she has a chance at a real newspaper.

Gemma overhears an interesting though angry discussion between city golden boy Damien Theroux and business mogul Lamont over illegal gambling debts. Lamont accuses Theroux of cheating as some avenging angel who apparently milks the rich to give to poor causes. Thinking she might have a chance for that Pulitzer and her real name as a reporter, Gemma decides to go undercover to learn the true nature of Theroux's illegal dealings. She takes a waitress job at one of his restaurants, but when she and Damien meet, an attraction rises between them. As they play wild sex games, she finds the information to expose her beloved's wrong doings even if he does them with good intentions; Gemma must choose between her ambition and her love.

Undercover romance readers will enjoy this interesting but unique tale of love between an idealistic reporter and a skeptical punisher. The sex scenes are graphic so be prepared for some torrid encounters. Though the audience might have problems with Damien, who is more demon than angel, he seems realistic. Fans will enjoy the relationship between the cynical Damien and the virginal Gemma reminiscent of Guys and Dolls.

Harriet Klausner

Born to Be Bad (Silhouette Intimate Moments No. 543) (Silhouette Intimate Moments No, 7543)

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Born to Be Bad (Silhouette Intimate Moments No. 543) (Silhouette Intimate Moments No, 7543)
Naomi Horton
Manufacturer: silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 037307543X

Customer Reviews:

:).......2002-01-30

Col Donovan's entire life changed the night that his brother was killed. Col was convicted of his brothers murder, his wife not only divorced him, but aborted their unborn baby. Col knew that Police Chief J.D. Moss was the one who killed his brother. Now Col has escaped from prison and his one goal was to kill Moss. The one thing that Col did not count on was running into pretty young widow Holly Triano.

Holly and her children knew that Col was innocent and they decided to do whatever was necessary to help him. Holly was not only doing this for Col, but for herself as well. Holly's husband was a newspaper reporter and was working on Col's story when he was killed in a hit and run accident. Holly, however, does not believe that her husband's death was an accident. She believes that the person that killed Col's brother also killed her husband.

While trying to find the truth Holly and Col fall in love with each other, but they know that their future is very uncertain. I loved not only the love story between Col and Holly, but the relationship between Col and Holly's two kids. There was also a very real element of danger throughout the book. There was also a dose of comedy. I found it extremely funny that Holly, a widow with two children, was so embarrassed about buying condoms. Naomi Horton is an excellent author. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

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Born Bad
Debbie Tucker Green
Manufacturer: Nick Hern Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 185459740X

Book Description

Debbie Tucker Green is an urgent and distinctive new Black British writing talent.

"The overall effect is of having swallowed a scalding cup of triple espresso coffee in one gulp. The burn stays with you after you have left the theatre."-The Guardian

"Love it or loathe it, Tucker Green's work is already making its mark."-The Independent

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Born Bad
Andrew H. Vachss
Manufacturer: Pan Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

Download Description

From a writer whose novels have been acclaimed for their unflinching exploration of evil comes a brilliant collection of short stories -- some never before published -- that distill dread back down to its essence -- and inject it straight into the reader's back brain. Andrew Vachss might have scissored his characters from today's headlines: a stalker prowling around an anonymous high-rise; a serial killer whose transgressions reflect a childhood of hideous abuse; an inner-city gunman who is willing to take out a blockful of victims in order to win a moment of acceptance.

Tautly written and endowed with murderous ironic spin, Born Bad plunges us into the hell that lies just outside our bedroom windows.

"Vachss... writes hypnotically violent prose."
   CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

"In the first rank of American crime writers.... Next to Vachss, Chandler, Cain and Hammett look like choirboys."
   CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER

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Born Bad -Barry Hoffman
intriguing premise, bland execution
3 1/2 STARS...
GIRLS JUST WANTED HAVE FUN!!!
One of Hoffman's most controversial works!

Born Bad
Barry Hoffman
Manufacturer: Cemetery Dance Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1881475999

Customer Reviews:

Born Bad -Barry Hoffman.......2003-10-11

Born Bad is a well written book by our friend Barry Hoffman over an Gauntlet Press. If you have the time, and enjoy crime books, I highly suggest you pick this one up.
The book starts with a crack addict that seems to be having her baby in a crack house, with no one there to help her. Then the book moves forward about 17/18 years.
One of the main characters in this book, IS that crack baby. A person born with no conscience, and being moved from home to home to find no love. Only being able to depend on herself , she seeks satisfaction in the ultimate ways.

The story takes place on the Campus at a University . A rash of suicides or was it murders? Once Ariel Dampier is on the scene, things start to come together. Ariel is a strong bi-racial woman of the Jewish Faith. A Homicide detective in a unit filled with men who she had worked hard to get approval from and finally achieved. Getting into the mind of a killer is no easy task, but its something that needs to be done.

Throughout the book you will understand the lives of many of the characters. Reminiscent of the writings of Ketchum in my opinion, due to the fact that this work is pure, true, gritty, and really takes you to another place.

intriguing premise, bland execution.......2003-03-13

BORN BAD has the intruiging premise of a woman who uses psychology as a weapon, convincing unstable college classmates that they have no other option but to kill themselves. There is also a neat little plot twist about halfway through (which I won't give away). Unfortunately, we really don't get any sense of depth in any of the characters, particularly the evil woman (I kept thinking what Jim Thompson or Herbert Kastle could have done with this story), and the killer's fear of spiders does not appear to have any logical psychological explanation other than to serve as a plot device. I also felt that there was way too much emphasis on race relations (a little subtlety in this department would have gone a long way, rather than bludgeoning the reader over the head with it for several pages). One review on the back of the paperback says Hoffman writes lean, mean prose; to me, Andrew Vachss writes lean, mean prose, which is a razor blade compared to Hoffman's steak knife. Overall, a C+.

3 1/2 STARS..........2002-08-21

This was the first book I read by Mr Hoffman and I enjoyed it. It was a pretty good characterization about an unstable person and I liked his narrative voice.

However, having just finished Hungry Eyes, his first novel, it wasn't nearly as good. And I am currently reading his second novel, Eyes of Prey, which so far is phenomenal. Born Bad isn't close to either one of these novels, but it is still a decent read.

Hoffman has burst onto the horror scene like a lightning bolt. He is a fresh voice into a genre that has too many stale ones. Although he writes psychological horror and not really horror, he is still redefining the genre. He is just learning his craft and that is scary, because Hungry Eyes was nominated for a Stoker award his first trip out of the gate. This guy is breathing life into the cliched serial killer novel.

I would like to see Hoffman tackle a "real horror novel." In his hands, he could work some real magic with the horror genre. However, I am just happy he has graced us with his presence. An interesting writer with a definite message to tell.

GIRLS JUST WANTED HAVE FUN!!!.......2001-08-13

Barry Hoffman, the acclaimed author of the "Eye" series, has written a rather intriguing thriller, BORN BAD, which centers on a female sociopath who literally loves to wreak havoc on others. Shanicha Wilkins was born a "crack" baby and later adopted. As a fourth-grade student and devoid of a conscious, Shanicha quickly learned the power of a lie. She found out how easily people could be manipulated when she falsely accursed her teacher of molestation in the small town of New Canaan, Pennsylvania and unintentionally brought about his suicide. Though Shanicha loved being at the center of attention, she realized-even as a child--how dangerous it could be for her and the apparent need for subterfuge. She understood the necessity for blending in and remaining anonymous so that her wicked actions could be continued. The skillful telling of lies gradually shifted to a deep fascination with fire, followed by a brief period as a murdering arsonist. Now, Shanicha is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania and has honed her deadly talents into a fine art. She's discovered how easy it is to manipulate depressed students into committing suicide with a few choice words and thrives on this God-like power. When the first student jumps to her death, Philadelphia PD homicide detectives Ariel Dampier and her partner, Doug Thiery, are called in to investigate. It seems like an open-and-shut case, until the second and third suicides come a few weeks later. Campus cop, Lucius Jackson, ex-husband of Ariel, suspects that there's more to these unexpected deaths than meets the eye. When he's almost murdered by an unknown attacker, both the University and the police department have to accept the possibility that there might be a killer behind the scenes, pulling the strings like a master puppeteer. Ariel and Doug are assigned to flush out this mystery person. Shanicha, however, isn't worried about the police. She's been involved in the act of murder for over a decade and knows that the cops can't prove anything. What's troubling her is the fact that she's only been involved in two of the deaths and had nothing to do with the attempted murder of Lucius. It seems that there's someone else on campus with the same agenda as Shanicha and is willing to do whatever it takes to become the reigning Queen of Death. BORN BAD is one of those terrific reads that catch you by surprise. I had it on my book shelve for several months, along with Mr. Hoffman's EYES OF PREY, before I finally picked it up to read, then went through it over a period of a couple of days, while entertaining relatives from out of town. I found myself admiring and thoroughly enjoying Mr. Hoffman's articulate style of writing, along with the way he was able to create such vivid and interesting characters, especially with regards to Ariel and Shanicha. Both are intelligent, troubled, strong-willed, and highly motivated women with a pretty good idea of what they want out of life and how to go about achieving it. The fact that one is evil incarnate and the other is on the side of law and order is beside the point. These are two ladies that rock! Mr. Hoffman is able to climb into their minds and give the reader a window that opens into two very different worlds and lifestyles, allowing us a glimpse of the realities that create such diverse, yet compelling, characters. Also, the supporting characters of Lucius, Chanda, Mia, and Doug Thiery shine with equal intensity, adding structure and pace to the story, allowing the author to explore more deeply the bonds of love, friendship, and psychopathic jealousy. While not filled with page after page of action-filled excitement, there are certainly enough twists and turns to keep the reader hooked and guessing right up till the end. In BORN BAD, a person will come away with the understanding that sometimes justice prevails and sometimes an individual has to take matters into their own hands to balance the scales. One last note, when Barry Hoffman tried to do a book signing at the University of Pennsylvania for BORN BAD, he was asked to leave by the campus officials because they didn't like the subject matter of his novel. He then went off campus and stood in front of a bookstore, handing out over a hundred copies of his novel for free to anyone who wanted to read it. Way to go Barry!!! Anyway, I liked this book so much that I purchased it in a signed, numbered edition for my growing collection and now intend to read his other novels, beginning with HUNGRY EYES.

One of Hoffman's most controversial works!.......2001-06-26

Born Bad, by Barry Hoffman (Gauntlet Press, ...) Shanicha is probably the most diabolical villain since Cruella De Ville. Her cunning enables her to commit murder from afar--definitely a novel approach. Shanicha will make you believe that someone really could be, "Born Bad"....

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