Book Review of Fall Into Darkness by Christopher Pike
Author: Christopher Pike
ISBN: 0-671-67655-5
Publisher: Archway Paperback
Type of book: 1990s, murder, revenge, mystery, insanity, trial, young adult
Year it was published: February 1990
Summary:
The trail is for murder. Ann Rice is dead. Her best friend, Sharon McKay, stands accused. But there is no body. And the three witnesses to the crime only heard what happened, and did not see it. Nevertheless, the prosecution is almost certain of victory. Ann was alone in the dark with Sharon on top of the cliff when Ann fell the 500 feet into the torrential river that claimed her life. There was only one route leading to the cliff, and all the witnesses can remember hearing the girls arguing before the fall occurred. Sharon's only defense is that Ann committed suicide. But everyone who knew Ann, including Sharon, said she was not the suicidal type.
And they were right.
Ann was much more than suicidal.
She was obsessed.
Characters:
The characters are far more intense than typical Pike characters; Ann is an intense young lady who learns the hard way about the control of hatred. Chad hides his real self well and is also a memorable character. He can fool everyone with innocent looks but like a true character of Pike, nothing is what it seems. Sharon is also an interesting character and a very innocent one. I think that what she gets she doesn't deserve, and I do wish Pike would have continued with the book instead of leaving the readers wondering what will happen next.
Theme:
The conflict of the novel is of Ann trying to learn the hard way of overcoming her hatred, where she realizes that hate does nothing, and of Sharon trying to come to terms with the fact that her friend is not who she thought it was.
Plot:
This is written in third person narrative from Ann's and Sharon's point of view. It tends to be divided into flashbacks from Ann's point of view of her hatred, as well as Sharon being arrested and her lawyer trying to free her. Although its not likely that the plot makes sense, but still just like in other novels, Pike does cover the ground and includes an explanation of things.
Author Information:
Christopher Pike wrote 30+ novels mainly for young adults, the most famous or well known one is The Last Vampire Saga, Final Friends and Remember Me, and his real name is Kevin McFadden. One of his books, Fall Into Darkness was created into a movie. Unfortunately he doesn’t have a website, but there is a fan club that is devoted to him. (http://www.christopherpikefanclub.com/ )
Opinion:
A reason that I gave this novel four stars is the wild plot this contains; a girl whose brother committed suicide tries to frame her best friend for her own murder. How she goes about is pretty crazy. Then the girl discovers more layers than she could imagine behind her scheme. This was published in beginning of 1990s, and it was before See You Later, just as Christopher Pike started to write some of my favorite novels such as Whisper of Death or Scavenger Hunt. I had to admit that it took me a few readings to start liking or appreciating this novel. While a lot does not seem to be legit (the lawyers screaming at one another, the judge clearly favoring Johnny Richmond while the woman prosecutor is ignored.)
4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)
The _trial_ is for murder
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