John D. MacDonald hits the bell in this twisted story of insane vengeance by a man ( Max Cady ) who spent 14-years behind bars for rape and forged a plot to destroy the life of a man and his family,especially his teenage daughter,because the man witnessed his savage rape of young girl in Australia. Max will show no mercy in what he intends to do to Sam Bowden's daughter. Sam and his wife soon find out that the police are not there for them to serve and protect. A family's nightmare begins to unfold with Max enjoying his relentless stalking unimpeded. A terrific suspense novel that is terrify and frightening.