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 explores an actual event through the filter of another strong thriller novel. When Dr. Alan Gregory begins to question his abilities as a therapist, no one is there to listen. Alan wonders if he has outlived his effectiveness and that the secrets he holds onto are festering within him. Two new patients shake him out of this reverie and force the clinical therapist to see that his secret-keeping could be dangerous. Holding confidences might lead to significant harm, but only if things are pieced together. With revenge on his patients' minds, Dr. Alan Gregory will have to manoeuvre through his therapeutic ethics and determine just how far he can let things go before he must report it all. White surpasses all expectations once more with this piece.
While Dr. Alan Gregory has a great deal going for him—a growing daughter and a wonderful wife—he cannot get out of a personal funk. His clinical therapy practice has been weighing him down, with patients who do not seem to get themselves on track and a partner who does not seem to pick up his hints that he needs a pick-me-up. He's also worried that all the secrets he has been asked to keep will bog him down. All this seems crippling until Dr. Gregory takes on two new patients, both of whom pull him out of his slump and into a world of injustice and concern.
One is Kelda James, an FBI special agent who made a name for herself during her rookie year. She drew her gun and saved a life, though has now turned to hiding from the world and masking the pain she suffered at the time. She seeks help from Alan to free herself from its prison and help re-invent herself. Along the way, she refers another patient, someone with whom she has begun to connect, sure that he will also benefit from some therapeutic intervention.
Tom Clone has suffered a great deal in his own—literal—prison. Sitting on Colorado's death row for over a decade, Clone vows that he is innocent of the crime to which he was convicted When Special Agent James was able to find evidence, he was exonerated for his crimes, though many feel that it is all a ruse. Serving as therapist to both Clone and Special Agent James, Alan Gregory hears their innermost secrets and is able to piece together two significant crimes that took place, as well as the truth behind a man who vows he was framed for murder. With it all bubbling inside him, Dr. Alan Gregory sees nothing but problems as he learns of a plan to exact revenge by two people, unwilling to stop or put things inter perspective. A gripping story that pushes the limits of Alan Gregory in this eleventh instalment of an addictive series.
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 mid-series novel.
White's writing explores his own personal situations as a clinical therapist, none more so than in this eleventh novel. The narrative is founded on therapeutic struggles but soon morphs into something just as important. This impactful story lays the groundwork for strong themes and significant tension. As the narrative gains momentum, Dr. Alan Gregory's struggles are shelved for new worries, which only add layers to the story. Strong characters, some new and others returning, add a flavouring to things and keep the reader on track to discover some hidden truths within the story's various perspectives.
Plot points drive the story home through a number of key events, peppered through the book's development. Surprises lurk around every corner and usually have Dr. Alan Gregory in the middle. With these surprises come tensions, both to the plot and within its characters, all adding something to the already strong story. I am eager to see how this will help spin the remainder of the series in a specific direction and promote more Alan Gregory progress.
Kudos Mr. White, for an introspective look at your profession.
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