Eight stars
Returning to re-read Stephen White's great thriller collection after a number of years, this summer binge should be a great adventure. White explores a team effort between Dr. Alan Gregory and his wife, ADA Lauren Crowder as they are invited to join a group exploring a cold case of two missing teens. Tasked with developing a psychological profile for both teens, Alan may better understand why they were targeted. Alan hopes to find a thread that could explain the lead-up and murder of two unlikely girls. A great angle that White brings to life in this great novel.
Two teenaged girls disappeared one night over a decade ago. Their mutilated bodies turned up along the Colorado Rockies the following morning and the authorities quickly tried to solve their murders, to no avail. As the case went cold, people's memories faded and the case was shelved. All but the families, at least, who constantly held out hope that a killer would be found.
When Dr. Alan Gregory and his wife, ADA Lauren Crowder, are called to attend a meeting of the Locard Group in Washington, DC, they are curious what it could mean. Introduced to this cold case at the request of the families, Alan is given a mission—to create psychological profiles of both girls—in order to participate in the group's casework. He begins an exploration that takes him down a rabbit hole, as the therapist at the time is a highly popular congressman now, his notoriety heightened when his wife was murdered around when the girls disappeared. What Alan learns might not solve the case, but it will certainly provide a pathway towards something fruitful.
As Alan works on these psychological profiles, he finds not only a number of secrets from their pasts, but potential killers whose reasons to strike cannot be discounted. Balancing this work with taking care of his recently pregnant wife, Alan comes to terms with Lauren's desire to focus on work, rather than how this will exacerbate her MS. A killer lurks in the shadows and even after all this time, their discovery will shock a community. A chilling story that goes from cold to piping hot in short order, as White dazzles once more!
I remember discovering this series years ago, devouring many of the books in short order. When I chose to return, I decided that I would try a complete series binge, getting the full Alan Gregory experience. Stephen White uses many of his personal experiences as a clinical psychologist to pull on ideas and character aspects, which becomes apparent in this early novel.
White's solid narrative is surrounded with a pleasant meandering aspect to keep things clipping along. This technique keeps the reader focussed as they try to discern what is important to absorb. Tensions mount as the cold case of two murdered teens opens the door for families to learn the truths, no matter how unsettling. Dr. Alan Gregory is central to this piece once more and explores the ways in which he can easily coax out information that proves essential in solving the case. There are great developments with both Lauren Crowder and the larger family unit, as the couple are expecting their first child. These strains help offset the emotions of the case at hand, while also opening sentiments of parental confusion.
Plot points keep the reader surprised and trying to predict what awaits them. White reveals only what is needed, leaving the reader to fill in the gaps with their own theories. Juggling many storylines, the reader is forced to make connections and let themselves be entertained for the balance of the piece. Stephen White knows how to spin a story and keeps the reader at the centre of all the action. This series is highly addictive and I am eager to see what is to come.
Kudos Mr. White, for another strong novel in the series.
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