Get ready for a glimpse into the seedier aspects of BDSM. Laura Reese uses simple but powerful writing to bring the reader vivid images of one sister's grief, self-search, guilt and immersion into a part of her psyche she never knew existed. The novel alternates chapters telling the story of shy Franny with chapters narrated by older sister Nora who is intent on unravelling the mystery surrounding her sister's gruesome murder. When Nora involves herself with M., Franny's former lover, she participates in a lifestyle made riskier by her uncertainty of the killer's identity. The writing is superb, the mystery is an attention-grabber, and the psychological aspects of all the characters blend to make for great reading. I found myself racing toward the end to find out if Nora ever wreaks her vengeance, and if she works through some of her own issues. The novel is erotic (with a capital E), suspenseful and even touching. Those offended by images of intense sexuality and D/s would do better to read something else! (And it may take a while for you to make eye contact with your pet again) But this is great reading for anyone who can pick it up with an open mind.

"Topping From Below" bridges the gap between a serious thriller of a novel and explicit erotic fiction. It is an admirable, perhaps audacious, first novel by Laura Reese. It is more than an exciting "fast read" and has a depth that deserves merit.

This is a shocking mystery novel opening with a first person account by the main character, Nora Hibbs, of the sadistic death of her sister Franny. The author grabs the attention of the reader in a graphic first paragraph and succesfully builds the tension all the way to the end.

While the primary plot is attention grabbing, the enduring tension is artfully developed by an underlying, highly erotic, pcychological exchange of power between Nora and M. The author has masterfully used sadism and masachism as a method of playing with human emotions and exchanging physical and mental control between the two main characters. The result is a gripping novel.

The erotic scenes are explicit and may be offensive to some readers. Most involve S&M, but all of them are integrel to the story and changing the lives of the characters. They are not merely thrown in to tease or shock the reader. This is a serious novel with good character development and a devilish plot that could be real.

My only disappointment was with some of the author's over-use of description of the physical environment. Some of the description was lengthy, unnecessary, and unrelated to the plot.

This is a thrilling, very readable first novel. It is also one of the very few legitimate, quality novels that successfully includes explicit erotic scenes that are integral to a very real story. I hope the subject matter does not hinder the author's opportunity for future success.

When I first picked up this book I didn't have much spare time to read it. After reading the first chapter or two - I MADE time to read it. I simply couldn't put it down until I knew the ending!

This is one of the best fiction novels I've read in quite a while. The plot will totally engross you. The characters in the story are completely believable and psychologically complex. The urge to understand their motives and behavior is beyond compelling.

I highly recommend reading this book. 10+ star rating! Get it, you'll be glad you did!

CAVEAT LECTOR: If you are in the least bit squeamish, this book may not be your "cup of tea". Some scenes, while absolutely vital to the plot, are very graphic.

I purchased this book in order to plan a 6 week trip to New Mexico and Arizona. If you want a book that will clearly and intelligently tell you about everything in these two states, this is a good option. Unfortunately, this book isn't very helpful in prioritizing sites. For example, I'm sure every single indian pueblo is listed, but it's difficult to tell which ones are worth allocating time to. Don't get me wrong, this is an excellent book, but, if this is your first visit to the area, you will need a more opinionated book to help you sift though the many, many sightseeing options.

I had earlier editions of this book and just loved them. We found the best places to stay, motels and bed and breakfasts that are really special, at a great price. I used this book for planning many trips to the Southwest, for myself and friends, and it was always a great experience. It is the best reference books on places to eat and to stay, phone numbers of attractions etc. You can find every place in the Southwest. However, I would still use another travel guide for more detailed information about e.g. national parks and monuments or specific hiking tips.

Laura Reese's debut effort, Topping from Below, has become one of my favorite novels. Its dark, sinister and controversial world enticed me. I couldn't wait to read Panic Snap.

A victim of a mysterious accident that led to amnesia, Carly Tyler tries to put together the pieces of the puzzle that is her past, but she gets more than she bargains for.

Despite some similarities to Below, Panic Snap follows Reese's tradition of illustrating the taboo subject of hardcore S&M with a plot that twists all the way to the end. I didn't want this book to end -- and was savoring the final few pages. This is a tale by a master storyteller, without the bells and whistles that accompany most mystery/thrillers. I look forward to reading this skilled and gifted author's next project.

Laura Reese's Panic Snap is a tightly written novel about one woman's search to find her true self.

The main character, Carly Tyler, was left for dead 15 years prior to the novel's opening. Now, after seeing something that stirs her memory, she is in search of information about her former life.

This search takes her to the California wine country, where she meets James McGuane, a man of extreme power and wealth who takes her on a journey of discovery.

Fans of Reese's first novel, Topping From Below, will enjoy Panic Snap, which follows in the same vane. Panic Snap features richer characters which tell an interesting mystery that, although is clear from the start, is a mesmerizing tale to read.

The erotic scenes are not for the faint at heart. These scenes not only feature sex, of the BDSM variety, they show how this effects a person's emotions and feelings, and the relationship of dominance and submission. Although the thread of the scenes are similar to Reese's first novel, she has taken a different enough approach in them that they are not a repeat of the first book.

This book is a wonderfully written follow-up to Topping from Below. I hope to see more from this author.

Laura Reese has once again filled my collection of books with an outstanding novel. "Topping from Below" was an erotic thriller that kept me on my seat and kept me reading for hours, retracing words that I had already read. She once again has made me feel that that wonderous adventure with "Panic Snap" This book was a wonderful second novel by Laura Reese, and I truely cant wait til she writes yet another. Her writing kept me on the edge of my seat and when I picked up the book, I didnt put it down til I was finished!

The relationship between James and Carly was riviting! When done reading the book I wanted to cry because the book was finished. Great work by a great author!!!!!