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Scared Yet? by Jaye Ford

Synopsis /

When Livia Prescott fights off a terrifying assault in a deserted car park, the media celebrates her bravery. After a difficult year watching her father fade away, her business struggle, and her marriage fall apart, it feels good to speak out and strike back.

But as the police search for her attacker, menacing notes start arriving at Livia’s doorstep. And her bravery turns into suspicion and fear. As the notes continue to arrive, it’s clear that someone has decided to rip her life apart. But is it a stranger or someone much closer to home? In fact, is there anyone she can now trust?

When her family and friends are drawn into her stalker's focus - with terrifying consequences - the choice becomes simple. Fight back or lose the people she loves the most.

My Thoughts /

3 stars rounded up to 3.5

Scared Yet? is the second, standalone, psychological thriller from author, Jaye Ford

You would think that a marriage breakdown; a custody dispute; struggling business woes, and, a dying father would be enough for anyone to cope with. Well, Livia Prescott was struggling with all these scenarios in her life and that was before you could add ‘being stalked�� to the list.

After finishing work for the day, Liv Prescott heads off to the underground carpark where she parks her car. But just as Liv makes it to her car, she’s attacked from behind. Her attacker is strong; dressed head to toe in black, including the balaclava covering his face. Although shaken, Liv tries to fight back, getting in a few good kicks and punches. Just when it looks like her attacker might overpower her, the man turns and flees. Confused and terrified, Liv realised that someone else has appeared in the carpark. Someone else has witnessed her being attacked. Daniel Beck works in the same office block as Liz. Hearing screams, Daniel runs to see what’s happening and scares off Liv’s attacker. The good looking ‘good Samaritan�� then takes her to hospital and waits while a doctor tends to her injuries; and then offers to drive her home.

The attack has left Livia battered, bruised, and swollen but thankfully with no serious injuries. Thinking she was the victim of a random attack, Liv is thankful and appreciative for Daniel’s intervention and wants nothing more than to put this incident all behind her.

Unfortunately for Liv, this is just the precursor of what is to come.

She then starts receiving anonymous letters, asking ‘Are you scared yet, Liv?�� It appears as if someone seems to know her every move �� where she works; where she lives; and, even where she is when she’s going out. Things begin to escalate. The business premises was broken into, her office was totally ransacked �� but none of the other rooms in the office were touched, they remained pristine. A friend is involved in a car accident and is left with severe injuries; another letter intimates the stalker was involved. Then, the firm’s receptionist is involved in an accident and things begin to really ramp up �� the stalker is targeting her close friends and loved ones, continually taunting her with notes - “Are you scared yet, Liv?��.

Regarding the secondary characters, I am hesitant to say anything much for fear of inadvertently revealing who is or isn’t a viable suspect. I can say that Ford did a credible job in fleshing out the supporting cast, while ensuring they retained the necessary uncertainty.

Ford cleverly keeps you guessing as to the identity of Livia’s tormentor. To the author’s credit I suspected almost everyone was the stalker at one point or another! The eventual confrontation between Livia and her stalker is explosive, with the conclusion wrapped up in a satisfying bow.

The only weakness for me was that I thought the ‘build-up�� to the final reveal took too long and was mostly repetitive �� especially with the notes saying the same thing over and over. 75% in and I was just rolling my eyes and grumbling at my Kindle to ‘hurry up will ya!��.

This definitely did have some tense moments, but for me it was not that chilling and not altogether a thriller.