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The Girls He Adored (E.L. Pender #1)

4.07 of 5 stars 4.07 · rating details · 767 ratings · 65 reviews

For ten years, the charmingly disheveled veteran FBI Special Agent E.L. Pender has been investigating the apparently random disappearances of a dozen women across the country. The only detail the cases have in common is the strawberry blond color of the victims' hair, and the presence of a mystery man with whom they were last seen. Then, in Monterey, California, a routine...more

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published January 1st 2001 by Atria Books

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Oct 27, 2008 Shiela rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror, serial-killers, thriller, suspense

This book appealed to my psychology background and was a real treat. Nasaw does a great job at creating a character who suffers from both the controversial Dissociative Identity Disorder phenomena and all of the implications that go with the disorder, and meshed it so brilliantly with Antisocial Personality Disorder in such a believable way. Max actually reminded me of a new and more twisted Hannibal Lector.

What I loved about this book is the amount of time and detail the author spends developi...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Levian rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

FBI agent Pender had been investigating the random disappearances of women across the country. among the women, their only common characteristic was their strawberry blond hair. Max was an intelligent killer who suffered from Multiple Personality Disorder. he staged a jailbreak and kidnapped Irene, his court-appointed psychiatrist. she was kept in a secluded shelter away from civilization. she analyzed Max's various personalities, some viewed her as his prisoner, and others his salvation. she kn...more

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Feb 02, 2011 Christie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Years ago I read the Dean Koontz book, Intensity. It was freakin’ terrifying. I generally find Koontz to be a pretty reliable writer- delivering fast-paced and exciting suspense, sometimes with a dash of the supernatural. (Of late I find him a little wordy, but never mind that.)

I was hoping Nasaw’s book would offer me the same thrill ride as Intensity, you know- one of those page-turners that you carry with you everywhere and can’t put down. The Girls He Adored is well-written (as these sorts of...more

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Aug 09, 2010 Brianna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Nasaw does an excellent job in convincing the reader about his villian who suffers from (violent) multiple personalities. I've never read a book quite like this before where the badguy is so believable and so well concieved that this man could possible exist. I often had to stop reading just because I got so creeped out. Bravo for this genre on that point.

The negative part I complain about is clear in the language--specifically the large words. The author uses terminology a normal person (with n...more

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Jan 11, 2011 Maicie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: finished-in-2011

Ed Pender, a frumpish special agent, is a bit of a joke at the FBI. He's spent years searching for a serial killer who favors strawberry blonds. Unfortunately, no bodies have ever been recovered and no one takes the agent seriously.

During a routine traffic stop, a deputy pulls over a man sitting next to a recently disemboweled woman with strawberry blond hair. Pender is sure this is his man. But before he can make the connection stick, the prisoner escapes. He kidnaps Dr. Irene Cogan, the court...more

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Nov 04, 2010 Franzie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Girls He Adored is a very different thriller. I think, it's one of the most unique thrillers I have ever read.

I really liked Maxwell Ulysses. He has DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) and has multiple "sub-personalities". When he is caught killing a young woman in his car, it's Kinch (the killer part) that has control. But there are switches. Lots of switches. Controllable switches, and uncontrollable ones. It's difficult to describe this disease. There are also Lyssy, the little kid, Alic...more

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Sep 16, 2010 Goodenough rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One cannot find a better thriller.

If you live on the Central Coast of California you will really love The Girls, as the action takes place there--between Big Sur and San Francisco with a jaunt to Oregon.

Nasaw is a much better writer than, say J. Patterson, who actually is a corporation of writers--how's that work?!

Nasaw develops his characters with great detail and depth. I've read some reviews by folks who are upset that he "gave away the ending", failing to understand that Nasaw writes psycho...more

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Feb 26, 2013 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Ok: this book is both problematic and awesome. It's awesome because it's a thriller that manages to keep things tense throughout the whole book - there isn't some promised pat-ending coming, or maybe there is, but at least you can't figure it out from page one. It's not a whodunit: you are given that information from the get go, but more of a "holy shit: are they going to be able to stop this guy?" And it's pretty...more This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Ok: this book is both problematic and awesome. It's awesome because it's a thriller that manages to keep things tense throughout the whole book - there isn't some promised pat-ending coming, or maybe there is, but at least you can't figure it out from page one. It's not a whodunit: you are given that information from the get go, but more of a "holy shit: are they going to be able to stop this guy?" And it's pretty clear that there's a good chance they won't.

What's problematic for me is also one of the things that makes this book so readable and interesting - the portrayal of the main villain. He's a character (spoilers, of course) who has Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly Multiple Personalities), an actual, real-life people can have this, mental illness. And that's an issue because crazy doesn't equal killer, and mentally ill doesn't equal crazy, and all of the stereotypes that must go along with a diagnosis of DID, and how this perpetuates some of those myths. SO that part squicks me out - I know it's a real issue in our society and how mentally ill people show up in popular culture, and I don't like that.

On the other hand, it was a fascinating character, and I don't have DID, so I can't know if the portrayal was accurate - in terms of everything else besides his homicidal tendencies - and if they are, then that's awesome. If they got everything right, except the part that makes people feel like if you have DID you might kill them, is that good enough? I don't know; can't say.

I can only say that I enjoyed the book, while being aware that it had some specific troublesome issues. I think that's the best I can do: I've read (and either enjoyed or hated) many questionable books - it definitely got me thinking about if there were any accurate and non-scary characters with mental illnesses (and specifically DID) that I could recall. I've got a couple of PTSD examples, some books with main characters who have anxiety or depression or panic attacks, and even one book that I remember that seemed pretty accurate as far as OCD, but, for the most part, still, in the stuff I'm reading mentally ill = crazy = killer. Which is too damn bad. (less)(less)

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Dec 27, 2012 NTE rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: disability-fic, different, frightnight, fiction, mystery, to-the-freezer

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Ok: this book is both problematic and awesome. It's awesome because it's a thriller that manages to keep things tense throughout the whole book - there isn't some promised pat-ending coming, or maybe there is, but at least you can't figure it out from page one. It's not a whodunit: you are given that information from the get go, but more of a "holy shit: are they going to be able to stop this guy?" And it's pretty clear that there's a good chance they won't.

What's problematic for me is also one...more Ok: this book is both problematic and awesome. It's awesome because it's a thriller that manages to keep things tense throughout the whole book - there isn't some promised pat-ending coming, or maybe there is, but at least you can't figure it out from page one. It's not a whodunit: you are given that information from the get go, but more of a "holy shit: are they going to be able to stop this guy?" And it's pretty clear that there's a good chance they won't.

What's problematic for me is also one of the things that makes this book so readable and interesting - the portrayal of the main villain. He's a character (spoilers, of course) who has Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly Multiple Personalities), an actual, real-life people can have this, mental illness. And that's an issue because crazy doesn't equal killer, and mentally ill doesn't equal crazy, and all of the stereotypes that must go along with a diagnosis of DID, and how this perpetuates some of those myths. SO that part squicks me out - I know it's a real issue in our society and how mentally ill people show up in popular culture, and I don't like that.

On the other hand, it was a fascinating character, and I don't have DID, so I can't know if the portrayal was accurate - in terms of everything else besides his homicidal tendencies - and if they are, then that's awesome. If they got everything right, except the part that makes people feel like if you have DID you might kill them, is that good enough? I don't know; can't say.

I can only say that I enjoyed the book, while being aware that it had some specific troublesome issues. I think that's the best I can do: I've read (and either enjoyed or hated) many questionable books - it definitely got me thinking about if there were any accurate and non-scary characters with mental illnesses (and specifically DID) that I could recall. I've got a couple of PTSD examples, some books with main characters who have anxiety or depression or panic attacks, and even one book that I remember that seemed pretty accurate as far as OCD, but, for the most part, still, in the stuff I'm reading mentally ill = crazy = killer. Which is too damn bad. (less)

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Dec 07, 2010 Brandi ;) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fbi-cops-pi-slueths, r-rated-books, serial-thrillers-killers-and-chille

ummm, well....hmmm....I'm really at a loss for words here on how to review this book. It was very disturbing, hard to read but at the same time it was like the proverbial train wreck, you just couldn't look away, you just had to see and know what happened.
You know the deal on the book so i don't feel a need to rehash the whole DID psychotic details. What I feel the need to share is why on earth I could say I 'really like it' & give the book 4 stars when the abuse to women was terrible and e...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Joanne Parkington rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Really enjoyed this book .. although not as scary as it probably could have been it was a pacey read with bang, bang, bang chapters. Max was a great character & well developed as the story progressed ... even as you get to the last page's you know ... the author know's you know, the same as you already knew about Miss Miller. The screw's could have been turned a little tighter, the mounting tension a little higher ... the Drying Shed was far more horrific in my mind than it turned out to be...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Amber rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Girls He Adored gripped me from the start. It was a fast-paced novel, with a very different killer. One body, numerous personalities and all controlled by one in particular. Each one has their own 'gifts' that Max can call up any time he wishes - until things begin to go very wrong.

It's creepy, frightening, and will leave you breathless as you turn the pages faster and faster as each fraction of the tale comes together to form a satisfying end.

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Apr 05, 2012 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: abduction, scary, mindfuck

This is a great scary book! I actually read this book years ago and I forgot the name of it and for the last year I have been trying to figure out the name of this book so I could read it again. I was so happy when I finally found it! This is such a weird plot and just very disturbing, but so original I couldn't help but be intrigued. I'm super excited to see that there is another book in this series. If you like scary books then this one is a keeper!

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Aug 08, 2010 Elgin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Psycho-thriller with a pretty interesting multiple personalitied serial killer and his relationship with a psychoanalyst that he meets. However the FBI agent character was rather trite. The book made for compelling reading, but I am not sure I will read anything else by this author. Overall, predictable as are most mysteries; you know what will be the outcome...the only real "mystery" is how the author will get us there.

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Nov 08, 2011 Amblingbooks.com marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: available-on-audio

"A creepy and truly frightening thrill ride through the mind of a serial killer, The Girls He Adored makes for a riveting read. It's my favorite kind of book, intelligent, fast-moving, and never less than thoroughly engaging." —Christopher Reich Bestselling author of Numbered Account and The Runner

Download The Girls He Adored at AmblingBooks.com

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Jun 21, 2010 Victoria rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-in-a-series, mystery-thriller, serial-killer, mpd

This is still one of my favorite thrillers - serial killers and multiple personality disorder - it just doesn't get any better than that! I've read this book a few times before, so though there weren't any surprises, the excitement alone still makes it a good re-read. And I was VERY excited to re-read it this time around since I get to start reading the long-awaited-for-sequel, When She Was Bad, directly after!

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Feb 12, 2011 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011

Wow...I was initially disappointed when I found out that there was a multiple personality storyline involved, but I'm glad I didn't let it dissuade me. I have never read about a serial killer quite like this. I have to digest it a little more before I write an actual review, but suffice it to say that I really enjoyed this book (is that weird to say about a book this violent and sick??)

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Aug 31, 2009 Lori rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm giving it three stars, somewhat reluctantly. It was pretty good - better than most, but I'm disappointed that the first half of the book was this long, drawn-out buildup... then the second half just didn't live up. Disappointing denouement. It was like it wrapped up too quickly. Will make a great movie, if cast correctly.

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Nov 05, 2011 Elayne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was engrossing from the start, it was intense and alarmingly gory. A great read for anyone who likes a really good thriller.
Murder and mayhem at its best..just how I like it!

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Mar 29, 2009 Linda rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wish I wouldn't have wasted my time reading this book. Someone from work gave it to me to read with a good recommendation. It wasn't totally bad but one of the worst books I've read in a while.

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Feb 04, 2013 Leszek Buczak rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013

Good Book. Not very good, but good. Some cliches should've been avoided to make it very good. I liked it mainly for a non-superhero main role, but sometimes I thought "exageratted" and "too much". For all thriller likers.

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Sep 21, 2010 Michele rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

decided to give Jonathan Nasaw a try...absolutely loved this book...simply could not put it down and am onto his next one in the series!!! I say give him a try...you won't be disappointed.

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Dec 03, 2010 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I went back and forth with this book. I really enjoyed the psychological aspect of it-the main character has dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality). On the other hand, some of it was really uncomfortable to read, or in my case listen to. Either way, I still wanted to finish the book to find out what happened.

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Jun 14, 2012 Bec rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, paperbacks

This book is truely amazing!
I was captivated from page one and could not put it down. It is one of my all time favourites and I definitely recommend you read this!

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Aug 06, 2012 Ricardo rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. Good writing, entertaining plot, it grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go until the very last page

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Sep 15, 2011 Cindy rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, dale-read-to

This was so graphic and awful we could only get through about 1/3 of it. We listend to the last tape and that was it. Terrible!!!

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Jun 23, 2009 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009

I haven't read from this in days, and don't plan to finish it. It just wasn't my cup of tea, I guess. I found most of it to be quite unbelievable, specifically the multiple personalities of the killer, as well as the way that Irene behaved in his presence. Granted, I know little to nothing about Dissociative Identity Disorder, and perhaps the character reflects more truth about this condition than I realize. Regardless, neither the story nor the characters captured me in any way that made me car...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Paula rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Couldn't put it down! Gave me nightmares but I couldn't stop reading. Can't wait to read the sequel.

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Jul 07, 2012 Shauna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: bought-secondhand, i-own-a-copy, 2012, crime-fiction, jonathan-nasaw, best-titles

For the first few chapters, I thought The Girls He Adored would be getting five stars. Unfortunately, as it progressed, I noticed that I was not feeling any real fear. There was no heart stopping moments and I totally turned against Pender when he shot three of the dogs in cold blood. Even Maxwell thought that was going too far and he was a serial killer. So, it wasn't terrible but it wasn't the 'riveting thriller' that the cover promised.
However, I would be interested in reading the rest of th...more

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Jun 21, 2009 Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: psycho-thrillers

Suggest you read these Nasaw books in the order they were written. Good luck in finding them!

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The Girls He Adored (E.L. Pender #1)

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