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 keeps a quick pace in this third novel, in which Dr. Alan Gregory takes a back seat and ADA Lauren Crowder is in the spotlight. Lauren is in Utah to support her sister, Teresa, who feels she has been sexually harassed by a member of the LDS Church with some clout. Soon, the accused is murdered and those who are pushing the investigation are targeted. Lauren knows that she will have to ensure the Church leaders cease their retaliation before Teresa is also a victim to their silence treatment. A great story that has White spin things for series fans.
Lauren Crowder has been in NYC for her MS treatments, but travels to Utah when her younger sister, Teresa, calls for help after she was apparently sexually harassed by a prominent Mormon. The accused, Blythe Oakes, has since left for Washington to clerk for the newest Justice of the US Supreme Court, a one-time Church elder. That Blythe is a prominent member of the Mormon Church is not disputed, but her apparent harassment and being a lesbian is something the Church wants silenced immediately. Lauren arrives to do what she can, liaising with Teresa's attorney.
When news comes that Blythe Oaks has been murdered in DC, it reverberates all the way back to Salt Lake City. Lauren wonders if this is an attempt by the Church to silence any talk of the bad press. When the investigator working for Teresa's attorney is following up a lead in rural Utah, he's shot and dies. This has Lauren concerned and Teresa, working as a fledging stand-up comedian, leaves town to protect herself. Laurent reaches out to Dr. Alan Gregory, her fiancé, and Detective Sam Purdy, hoping they can run some covert investigation into the latest murder.
Diving deep into this he LDS Church and the scattered information Lauren has been able to uncover, Alan and Sam work things during a brief bike trip to rural Utah, but focus much of their work in Boulder and away from the ongoing chaos in Salt Lake City. Someone is trying to keep the assault quiet before anything can happen to sully the Church or its leadership. Lauren knows she is in over her head, but blood is thicker than most anything else and she's not ready to turn away from Teresa, as Alan worries even more. A great story that takes series fans on an alternate journey, while still showing how great Stephen White's writing can be.
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 (and Lauren Crowder) 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 creates a narrative approach that can be clear and yet meandering, which appears to include when Lauren Crowder is in the protagonist's seat. The reader learns more about Lauren, from her personal life through to the determination she has as an investigative powerhouse, something that has not been revealed in the past two novels. Wile the story clips along, White offers readers a thorough and revealing look into the Mormon Church, from its publicly known aspects to some of the warts and wrinkle many would prefer the general public not know. White pulls no punches, nor should he, with this book and keeps the reader enveloped in a chilling story from the outset. While some might call this a smear, I prefer to see it as a stunning piece of fiction that looks to heighten the thrills at every turn. Strong characters and a wonderful Lauren perspective keep the reader eager to see where things are headed. With some short appearances by Dr. Alan Gregory and Detective Sam Purdy, their banter stays sharp throughout.
Plot points and an exploration of the LDS Church keep the reader wondering and on edge until the final page. Once more, White is effective in his delivery and spins surprises for all to enjoy. The twists and threatening storylines provide something for everyone, leaving things darker than the previous two novel combined. There is much to synthesise but White does not slow things down at any point, forcing the reader to pay close attention or be lost in the story. It has been a number of years since I started this series for the first time, so much is a surprise for me, which I do not mind at all. I am eager to see how Dr. Gregory and Sam will flavour the next piece in the series, with Lauren back in Boulder.
Kudos Mr. White, doe a great piece that explores another perspective in this series.
No comments:
Post a Comment