Hungry Eyes

Eyes #1

by Barry Hoffman

The eyes were always watching. Probing. Hungry. She could feel then as she huddled there, naked, vulnerable, in an iron cage in a twisted man's basement. But now she's free. She isn't vulnerable anymore. She's the one with the power, the need to close the eyes. And she'll close them all. When she's done the will be no more hungry eyes...

Genres: Horror, Thriller

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1997

Reviews

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one isn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill revenge tale. Shara is a woman who, after suffering a tragedy as a child, sets out to kill a certain number of people for her own private reasons (interesting ones they are.) Deidra, a reporter who knew Shara a long while back, is called in to do the story and also try and help capture the killer. Hungry Eyes focuses on the strong bond the two characters share, as well as the anticipation of the outcome. The plot isn't complex but it is interesting and unpredictable.

When told through Shara's eyes there's a great cat and mouse game being played out. I genuinely felt her emotions about the past and Hoffman writes about memories well enough to let the reader feel the torture the character went through. The main character isn't a regular type of serial killer -- although at first glance it may look like it. There's a purpose to her methods and it's hard to dislike her no matter what she does. Her goal is to get a certain amount of rapists/abusers off the street and through her thinking this will heal her own unique psychological torments. She's strong, intelligent, loves to play psychological games with her friend, and also alone. I LOVED seeing in her head. Her whole viewpoint on the world was so unusual and also tragic yet strong. She didn't play the victim role but her mind was messy and paranoid at times -- great stuff! She's had a hellacious life but doesn't let that hold her back, although she is bitter about people. I really enjoyed who she was and give applause to Hoffman. And the tattoos!!? A definite surprise and something creepy about them at first once revealed.

Deidre as the reporter who knows Shara is behind the crimes is also well-written. She's intelligent herself but newer to the psychological play Shara's used to. A genuinely nice person, her vulnerability comes through and it's a good change in heroine roles. Bottom line: These characters are not stereotypical, they are purely three dimensional, unusual, and fascinating.

Eyes of Prey has a good pace, although it's not focused on action. It does start a little slowly, and just as it's about to try your patience, it speeds off. Much of it is soaked with mental thoughts and ambitions, a very character driven story. The style is easy to understand but well-versed. Hoffman has a talent with words and uses them wisely. He also has a knack for dialogue that I admire.

If you are ever in the mood for a psychological thriller, Hoffman's trilogy is the way to go. The first book, Eyes of Prey, is sensational! Genuine emotion is painted on, and I loved every minute of it. When you care about the characters and outcome as much as Hoffman wants you to, this is a book that will cause grief once the final page is read. Not because of the outcome, but because it's actually over.

[Rebeccah Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I could have finished this book within a day, not because it’s a short story, but because I found it extremely difficult to put down. Barry Hoffman’s writing is unlike any I’ve ever read before. Once he begins, he pulls you in and holds you steady until the last word, even then leaving you wanting more.
Hungry Eyes tells the story of a damaged woman determined to mend herself. Though her methods are unconventional, it’s the only way she knows. The question is, when she feels she’s whole again, when she exorcises her demons, is it really over?
Barry Hoffman is an astounding author and though I know this novel, as well as this series, has been around for a while (though I’m sadly just now getting to read it), I greatly look forward to what he offers in the future. I was lucky enough to have already been able to read his most recent release, Tracks of My Tears, and to have been able to interview him and I’m positive anything else he releases will only leave me wanting to read more.

[Shannon Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was interesting and I didn’t get bored at any point. I thought the main character main bad decisions. Additionally, there was a throw away paragraph about sexuality that seemed unnecessary and out of context I didn’t like. I think a book about the main character growing up would be really interesting. I plan to read the sequel.

[Ralph Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second reading of this awesome book. It’s still awesome.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This offbeat thriller is a psychological test. Shara, the serial killer that you feel yourself rooting for, will mess with yer mind more than any other character in recent past. Fast reading and a well done debut.

[Debra]

1st in series.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unrealistic, and poorly written.