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 the reader hooked with another great novel, full of unique perspectives ina story that strays from the series norm. A wealthy man is diagnosed with some terminal news and is unsure how he wants to spend the balance of his time. Seeking to ensure that he is not left in a state of agony, he is put in touch with a group who are willing to kill at the appointed time, for a fee. Now, he must live life and wait to see what the future brings, while trying to ensure he is aware of any surprise that awaits him. Someone is ready to kill him, though when is the greatest mystery of all. Dr. Alan Gregory plays a wallflower role in this piece, as Stephen White blows the reader's mind with this gripping book.
He's quite wealthy, enjoying everything that money can buy. All that being true, there are some things that money cannot buy. When a terminal diagnosis turns things around, treatments can be paid for, but the body has its own agenda. If only there was something money could do…
With great wealth comes some additional benefits. A discrete referral sends the patient to meet someone who might be able to help. The Death Angels will, for a fee, offer to kill and ensure that pain is never too much. When and where remains a secret, but it is assured. Now, it is a waiting game!!
While this could be a great means of ensuring that there are no loose ends, the contract cannot be rescinded once signed. With the contract comes some added requirements, all while awaiting an uncertain death. A chilling story that will keep the reader flipping pages well into the night as White impresses 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 unique novel.
White's writing usually explores his own personal situations as a clinical therapist, but this book changes that recipe for success. Rather, its protagonist is Alan's patient who is trying to come to terms with his end of life plan. While Dr. Gregory is eager to help where possible with processing emotions, this book is more about the act of death and how it can creep up on anyone. The narrative builds in a great way, telling a story that is mostly free from clinical analysis and police perspectives. It keeps moving as the reader is left to wonder what will happen and how the "death angels" will stay off the radar. Touching only briefly on the series regulars, this story captures the inner mental workings of a man, his family, and the group who are ready to pull the plug at a time unknown.
Plot points drive the story, as they do with all books in this series. However, the premise of surprise is a theme that is core to the story's success. The reader is left to wonder and wait with bated breath to better comprehend the tension that builds. White keeps the reader in the middle of it all and provides a stellar bit of storytelling that has no clear path. I am eager to see how the series will keep progressing and what adventures await Dr. Alan Gregory.
Kudos Mr. White, for providing this in-depth look at the mind when terminal diagnoses are in play.
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