A twisty thriller. Written in 1990s the computer aspects which underlie the story are dated but stilll work.
The male protagonist is a synopsis for a computer service called Eros where people go for virtual sexual experiences with others. He discovers several of the women clients have been murdered and reports that triggering a man hunt for the killer. It comes to involve him, his wife and his wife’s sister. The villan is a brilliant, clearly evil man. He provokes the mortal fear of the title. He is trying to perform pineal transplants to reverse aging. Set in Mississippi it truly brings mortal fear to many characters. The climax is cleverly plotted. The author demonstrates a lot of computer technical knowledge and medical knowledge incorporating it smoothly into the plot. Weird to bring Kleinfelter’s syndrome into a thriller. ( )

Explosive, complex and unique. Hannibal Lechter merges with technology

One of Greg's earlier stories which takes place during the days of dialup modems and CompuServe, he's created characters and a plot that evolve with each chapter. Driven by a theme of Trust, two best friends involved in an a digital 'erotic' meeting place for the affluent play detective in order to track down a serial killer, who's reminiscent of Lechter, yet far more devious. Subplots of incest, family, and loyalty spin as the frantic momentum builds.

Having read nearly ALL of Greg's stories, this one took me by surprise given how early in his career it was written. A thriller in all respects, as the reader nears the 'finish line', the pace quickens to the point where you're panting with each page turned. Greg's mysteries rank equally with the likes of Baldacci, Patterson, Grisham and others, though his diversity is far above. Well researched, paced and immersive, he's one of the best crime/mystery writers today and THIS is one of his best! ( )

wow what a ride! Kept me engaged until the end, awesomely played ! wonderful suspense and thrills. Thanks Greg Iles!! ( )

I love it when I cannot put a book down! This thriller, set in the Mississippi Delta, involves a brilliant, demented killer on a medical mission. There are multiple twists and turns, tests of friendship, love v. sex and eroticism, lies & difficult truths. Well done! ( )

Too unnecessarily long and tedious in places. ( )