John D. MacDonald’s Cape Fear was the basis for two pretty interesting screen adaptations; however, the book didn’t really keep my attention as well as I had hoped.
San Bowden is a loving husband and father and a partner at a successful law firm. A man from his past has appeared, and revenge is definitely on Max Cady’s mind. Bowden had testified against Cady in a rape trial that resulted in the latter’s incarceration for several years. Cady begins his campaign of harassment and pushes Bowden, who has faith in the power of the legal system, into a realm of defense he never thought he would consider.
There were some interesting scenes, but I didn’t find the depiction of Bowden to be all that interesting. Cady was well imagined by MacDonald, but that isn’t hard to imagine when it comes to the villain.
MacDonald is one of the most revered among crime writers, but I am having some trouble determining the reason here. He’s not bad, I have had trouble really getting into his novels.
This one felt longer than the one hundred sixty-page count. The Max Cady on the page didn’t feel as chilling as either of the screen portrayals by Robert Mitchum and Robert De Niro.
This one was a bit of a dud. Sorry, Mr. MacDonald.
I think it’s time to return to the wilds of Wyoming and catch up with Game Warden Joe Pickett and his lovely, if often imperiled family, with C.J. Box’s Blood Trail.
Reviews, Musings, and Other Things... 