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 taps into a point in Dr. Alan Gregory's past while creating a present-day panic in this seventh novel. Alan learns that a number of people with whom he did some of his early training have died, some in some suspicious ways. One resident, Sawyer Sackett, may not have been targeted, but Alan cannot help but feel concern that her time could be coming. He, too, might also be a target, though Dr. Alan Gregory will do whatever he can to protect himself. White does a formidable job with this piece!
When Dr. Alan Gregory attends the funeral of an acquaintance, he could not have expected what would occur in the hours that followed. While dining at a small restaurant after the service, Alan and his wife, ADA Lauren Crowder, are visited by two former FBI analysts who have been exploring the death of the recently deceased. It is not long thereafter that Alan realises a number of people with whom he did his residency have been killed. There is a possibility that a patient from the time is seeking retribution.
While the fog clears, Alan discovers that one of the residents has been spared to this point. Sawyer Sackett was a beautiful woman who caught Alan's attention those years ago and whose wit was only topped by her allure. As Alan processes the feelings he felt at the time, he is forced to admit that Sawyer's power over him has never been resolved.
With the help of Detective Sam Purdy, the current investigation and attempts to protect both Alan and Lauren push into high gear. Alan has no idea who might want him dead, or any of the others as a group. This is both troubling and mysterious, which adds a tension to the investigation. Dr. Alan Gregory awaits news and must keep looking over his shoulder for a killer whose motives remain up in the air, all while he faces Sawyer, the elephant in the room and. whose emotional grip over him could end his marriage! White keeps the reader guessing with this gripping novel.
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 uses a strong narrative style that is flavoured with some meandering throughout the story. This technique keeps the reader focussed and leaves them to synthesise what is most important. Tensions builds around varied plot lines, including the hunt for a kill and the ongoing connection between Alan Gregory and Sawyer, both past and present. Dr. Alan Gregory is central to this piece, utilising the support of numerous and familiar secondary characters, which has been the key strength of the series to date. Readers also see a highly flummoxed Alan Gregory, which opens the door to additional questions.
Plot points keep the reader surprised and trying to predict what awaits them. White does well not to reveal too much, but also shares a great deal in other domains. Juggling many storylines, the reader is forced to make connections until all is presented and the truths surface. Stephen White knows how to spin a story and keeps the reader at the centre of all the action. I am exciting to delve deeper!
Kudos Mr. White, for another strong novel in the series.
No comments:
Post a Comment