Summer of Fear

By: Lois Duncan

Narrated by: Ruth Ann Phimister

For 15-year-old Rachel Bryant, summer vacation promises to be fun. Her 17-year-old cousin Julia will be coming to Albuquerque, New Mexico to live with the Bryants, following her parents’ deaths. With two brothers, Rachel is looking forward to finally having a sister. From the moment Julia arrives, everyone is enchanted with the orphaned teenager. But Rachel finds her strangely disturbing. Soon an evil poison seems to seep into every corner of her life. Can she discover what Julia is trying to do before it’s too late?

Best-selling, award-winning author Lois Duncan has won high acclaim for her fast-moving thrillers for young adults - and Summer of Fear is one of her most popular novels. With her dramatic pacing, Ruth Ann Phimister’s skillful narration heightens each chilling moment of suspense. Don’t miss Lois Duncan’s other exciting title, Killing Mr. Griffin.

©1976 Lois Duncan (P)1998 Recorded Books

Different

It’s a different story that’s for sure. It is a bit dated but still a mystery with a decent plot.

Brings Memories Back from High School

Would you listen to Summer of Fear again? Why?

Yes. I remember reading it as a young girl and after all these years, it has stuck with me, so I would definitely listen to it again. The story is simple but captivating. The narrator does an excellent job with the book.

Which character – as performed by Ruth Ann Phimister – was your favorite?

Julia-- she had the Ozark, backwoods, southern-drawl down for the character.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I do a lot of driving for work and would hope to get an extra 30 minutes between visits with my patients to listen to a little more.

Any additional comments?

I would love to see (if I haven't already??) the Wes Craven adaptation for TV this book was made into.

A classic from a YA legend

Lois Duncan was my favorite authors growing up, and I think I read every one of her teen suspense novels. There are scenes and plot points in Summer of Fear and many others that I still think about to this day. This isn't one of the updated versions -- the story couldn't work in the 21st Century. But I love it still. Rest well, Ms. Duncan.

An old favorite

I remember reading this book when I was around 12. Still a fun story, although dated in some ways.

The narration leaves a bit to be desired; it didn’t really capture the characters well. That is more of a personal preference and audiobook narration has improved a lot since 1998, when this was recorded.

A great intro to mystery.

I read this story as a child and loved it. However, the performance is a little disappointing.