Whisper of Fear: The True Story of the Prosecutor Who Stalks the Stalkers

by: Rhonda B. Saunders and Stephen G. Michaud

Published by: Berkley Publishing Group/division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Reviewed by Jan Warren

Whisper of Fear is supposed to be an autobiography of criminal attorney, Rhonda B. Saunders’ life as a California prosecutor, and her struggle to introduce laws to stop, as well as prosecute stalkers to the fullest degree.

What I found was a book filled with unnecessarily graphic and offensive material, and where the “f” word was used liberally throughout. It is written more in the sensationalistic style of voyeuristic tabloids than as a practical guide on how the laws were written or what to do about stalking.

I also found no positive purpose in glorifying the disturbed rants and malicious deeds of criminally sick individuals. Quite the contrary, in essence by publishing their word-for-word accounts, the authors have rewarded the perpetrators by giving them the fame and limelight they so desperately seek.

I couldn’t help but wonder: Won’t capitalizing on such exploits send the wrong message to stalkers and media seekers by showing them even more ways to intimidate and inflict suffering on innocent victims to gain the best media coverage?

The last two chapters, pages 291-324, contained the more practical information about stalking. “Combating Stalkers” chapter contained information on the laws, training and education, the media, the victims, and the criminal justice system. And last chapter, “What You Should Know about Stalking” explained what exactly constitutes stalking, what to do to protect yourself against it, and how to document any incidents that may lead in convicting the stalker.

As informative as these last two chapters were, thirty-three pages, at the end of the book, does not justify the other two hundred and ninety unsavory pages, which I would rate “R” at best, therefore, I cannot recommend this book.

Armchair Interviews agrees. What could have been an educational and helpful book was lost to graphic language and violence, deserving a 2 of 5 star rating.