Tina Evans, Australia 09/08/2009
Sheila A. Lacy brings a dark tale to her readers. A dark journey into one man's life. His past and present intertwine to produce a man with little respect for anyone but himself. John Johnson is an African-American man who is arrogantly proud of his heritage. He has many issues from his past, which would understandably mess a person up mentally.
But where one might seek therapy or confrontation John heads down another path completely. John murders. The book opens with John stalking his next victim, and continues the first chapter with John's murdering this man and his sexual gratification from it.
Why me? Brings the reader into the depraved world of one man. One man and his inability to seek help to deal better with the events of his past.
What happened to John was horrible and should happen to no one. John takes a different path to the norm and seems to feel like the entire world owes him a favour.
John's world rapidly begins to fall apart just after he murders a man who would be loosely classified as his friend. John's poor innocent and completely unaware wife Clara suffers a miscarriage. Due to the events of the night before John in unreachable, as is his 'friend'. Their wives are beside themselves. John turns up at the hospital and believes Clara was not worthy to carry his child and tells his grieving wife it's her fault their child is gone.
John Johnson is a sick, mean individual who gets satisfaction from inflicting on others what he has suffered. His killing spree catches up with him; he opts to take the easy way out. John goes to his end still believing God wanted him to do the things he did and that is the only judging he needs.
Sheila A. Lacy captivated me with this tale. It was graphic and some of the scenes were horrible but I was riveted. I had to see how it ended. Well written, clearly described, and a true page-turner. Sheila A. Lacy delivers an in-depth look at the mind of a killer: his reasons, his justifications, and his ultimate undoing.
Midwest Book Review Oregon, WI, USA 01/10/2009
A Riveting Thriller
Some wounds never seem to heal. "Why Me?: The Dark Side of Man" is the story of John Johnson, a man who, at first sight, is living out the American Dream. But his past still haunts him, and he has many secrets, to which those he loves simply don't know. A thirst for vengeance drives John and it may destroy his so called 'perfect' life. "Why Me?" is a riveting thriller, recommended.
K. Griffith Excellent Author and Easy Read, 11/04/2008
I was able to read this book in less than two days, while still balancing a start up company, kids, and pets.
It is an easy read because the story line holds your attention to the point that you do not want to put the book down until you know what happens next. The author uses vivid details and you feel as though you are truly watching a movie on the television.
I am looking forward to reading more books written by Sheila.
Couldn't Put It Down
David Krohse "Des Moines Chiropractor" 09/22/2008
Currently in my first year as a business owner, I hadn't taken much time to read for personal pleasure. That changed once I picked up Sheila Lacy's Why Me, The Dark Side of Man. I couldn't put the book down as I followed the main character as his life spiraled further and further down. I hope Lacy continues to write thrilling, suspenseful books like this!
Who do we really know?
Bluidvll, new fan, 08/30/2008
This book made you think about your empathy for others. Have you thought about the people around you and whether really know them at all? The story held my interest from beginning to end, I read it in two nights time which is hard to get in my schedule. John is someone who was treated unfairly in life and just did not know how to address his anger. I am not a murder mystery reader so it is not a who done it type book it is a true human spirit that had gone wrong. Very good I recommend it highly.Wowed from the start!
Karla R.,08/26/2008
Making a difference in lives!
I recently read this book and was enthralled by it! The first chapter alone had me hooked. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a short thriller that will suspense you all the way through. I will definitely be reading it again!
A reviewer
What a page turner!,
Book Snob, Des Moines, Iowa, 08/28/2008
This book was amazing. It keeps your attention in every page. It is full of mystery and deception. If you like a quick read that is full of suspense and similar to a Law and Order Criminal Intent plot, then this book is a must read for you.
A Real Page Turner
Poppin Fresh Illinois, USA 07/28/2008
It has been a long time since a book has held my attention, like this one. I could not put the book down because I wanted to know "what is going to happen next". If you love mysteries or novels full of suspense and detective-like action, this one is for you. The characters are well developed and they are inter-twined with such precision. The main character is methodical, calculating and frightening. Think of how many of your married female friends who truly do not know their husbands...! Some may not want to know and others may be in denial. Lo and behold...the material trappings...! Think of how many of your married male friends who are mysterious and deceptive: yet, they are deeply loved by their spouse. This book is a must read for all women and their daughters.
A reviewer
A business owner of two companies, 07/06/2008
If you like Stephen King's books you will like this novel. You want to know what happens next and it's hard to put the book down. It's so hard to believe that a person that has been so badly abused can place pain on so many other lives as their escape for freedom.A reviewer
Lorie Bruck, a BIG Sheila Lacy fan!, 07/03/2008
Why Me? The Dark Side of Man - has been a true delight for me to read. The suspense never ends and the read really keeps you guessing and wanting more. This is the first book in quite some time that was hard for me to put down and take a break from. I found myself getting into the heads of the characters and feeling what they were feeling throughout as well. It is rare for me to enjoy a book as much as I did this one.
