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 twists and turns throughout the story's climactic build. Dr. Alan Gregory learns that his colleague has died under mysterious circumstances. As Alan tries to locale the truth, especially when Boulder PD stop caring, he finds that there may be a connection between one of his colleague's patients and his own. The rest is an adventurous ride as Alan Gregory puts it all on the line. White treats the reader to another strong novel that adds depth to the series.
It is the height on concern when psychologist Alan Gregory discovers that his friend has died mysteriously. Hannah Grant was a fellow clinical therapist whose list of clients do not make her a target. When the Boulder Police turn up nothing, they are prepared to chalk it up to another cold case. Even Detective Sam Purdy, Alan's close friend, cannot make heads or tails of anything in the case. All this leaves Alan to wonder if he will have to use some of his own skills to develop a potential explanation.
Through some joint passing knowledge, Alan his business partner, Diane Estavez, begin to piece together potential reasons Hannah might have been killed. One of Hannah's clients is a teenaged girl who disappeared on Christmas night, leaving Alan to wonder if there is a connection. He is also concerned when one of his own patients seems to know a great deal about the missing girl before he, too, goes missing. Diane takes it upon herself to travel to Sin City, following a promising lead. She's soon missing and her husband begins to panic. Raul is not sure that the disappearance of Diane is entirely innocent and presses for news and how the missing teen could be at the centre of it all.
While Alan makes his way to Las Vegas to track down a lead, he is left to wonder if his own client, who suffers from schizoid disorder, might hold the key locked away inside his mind. Alan is in a panic, but must also realise that he is no hero that can be expected to have all the answers. He rushes to put the pieces together, but risks it all for a woman he knew well, or did he? Another great piece that shows White's abilities and keeps the reader hooked throughout.
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 novel.
White's writing explores his own personal situations as a clinical therapist, peppering in some strong themes and thriller ideas to keep the reader highly entertained. The narrative keeps Dr. Alan Gregory at the centre of the story while gaining needed momentum. With a number of key ingredients, there are aspects to the narrative that help engulf the willing reader, who seeks to learn as much as possible. Strong characters, both returning and new, make an impact on the story and keep things clipping along. One cannot help but see the development that Alan has made through these stories and will keep doing so, given the opportunity.
Plot points drive the story home through a number of key events, from disappearances to the possibility that a therapy patient is centrally involved. The surprises are never ending and fuels the excitement throughout the reading experience, which I will keep devouring as swiftly as possible. Stephen White has a style I enjoy, mixing mystery, therapy, and curiosity into a collection of strong novels.
Kudos Mr. White, for a great piece of writing.
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