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 sets the tempo well with this second novel, in which Dr. Alan Gregory must explore a mysterious set of deaths while also trying to handle a teenage patient who has some significant mental and psychological issues. The tension builds as the danger injects itself into the middle of this novel. White provides a stellar reading experience, where the action never takes a break. A strong second novel that kept me flipping pages for long periods of time.
Dr. Alan Gregory is a reputable clinical psychologist, whose practice is quaint, but also quite useful to the citizens of Boulder, Colorado. When a scuffle inside his partner's office leads to gunshots, Alan cannot help but wonder if Diane has been hurt, or worse. It turns out that the husband of Diane's client discovered her intention to divorce and thought he could solve things on his own. With one dead and another significantly injured, the police arrive to investigate, headed up by Detective Sam Purdy. Things seem clear-cut, at least for the time being.
As things settle a little, Alan focusses on his own client, Randy, a teenage boy whose entire family died in a plane crash. Fragile and yet determined to move on, Randy works with Dr. Gregory to better understand himself, which will take some time, while trying to adapt to life with his aunt and uncle, his guardians for the time being. Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, Alan takes on a side job as a consultant with the Boulder County Coroner's Office, looking into manner of death for some of those who are found. He works more with Detective Sam Purdy, creating a strong professional relationship as they explore a man found in a house full of gas fumes. Might this have been an odd suicide?
News of an empaneled grand jury in Boulder makes its way to Alan through a therapy session. Two of its purported members have died mysteriously. Alan has to wonder if there is someone trying to kill those who have been brought together to render a decision of some magnitude. His idea sticks and many begin to explore the possibility a little more, including Detective Purdy. This is a distraction for Alan, who is trying to strengthen his relationship with his current love interest, Deputy District Attorney Lauren Crowder, still suffering with her MS. Alan's soon-to-be ex-wife, returns with news that could blow everything wide open. There's never a dull moment for Dr. Alan Gregory as he tries to juggle personal and professional responsibilities, failing miserably at times.
After Randy misses one of his sessions Dr. Gregory pursues trying to track him down, only to learn that the young man has disappeared with no trace. Randy soon reaches out, unsure what happened or where he has been. This fugue state is highly troubling and Alan makes sure to have his patient committed, if only for Randy's own safety.With a blizzard raging in Boulder, Dr. Alan Gregory will have to work to connect the dots with these grand jury deaths and ensure those in positions of authority get what they need before more die. It will be anything but certain as nothing is clear in in the human mind. A gripping thriller that proves White has all the elements for success.
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 creates a narrative approach that can be clear and yet meandering. The reader learns more about the life of a therapist and his varied cases, as well as how life and work can sometimes connect quite significantly. Dr. Alan Gregory has a busy life, with many choices to make and little time to make them. As the narrative sets its foundation, the story forks in many directions, gaining momentum towards solutions and some harrowing cliffhangers, forcing the reader to pay close attention to understand the ever-heightened drama. Strong characters continue to add depth with their presence, while others turn from minor to significant secondary roles with ease and leave me eager to see how things will grow and prove important. There is so much going on in each novel, White does not leave the reader any time to catch their breath before diving in new directions.
Plot points fuel this story and keep things on edge, which White does quite effectively. The psychology approach is not one with which I am used to reading, though White makes it easy to digest, provided I take the time to absorb the story. The twists and dangling threads will prove great as I binge this series over the next while, adding spice to al ready exiting collection. There is much to comprehend and White does not slow at any point, forcing me to take a great deal of effort to see how things will progress. As it has been a number of years since i read these novels, there will be more surprises than predictable moments, as I have only vague recollection about the series and the life Dr. Alan Gregory has built for himself. Another book awaits, so I am headed there to fill my mind with new adventures.
Kudos Mr. White, for another great thriller.
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