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 another unique perspective in this novel, in which Dr. Alan Gregory takes less than a central role once more. DA Kirsten Lord has never shied away from a difficult case in New Orleans. However, after convicting a member of the mob, he utters a threat and soon Kirsten's husband is murdered in front of her. Scrambling to stay alive and keep her daughter safe, she enters the Witness. Protection Program and is relocated to Boulder, Colorado. Enter, Dr. Alan Gregory, who discovers that Kirsten's anonymity might be in question. Juggling secrets with seeking his pregnant wife's input as a lawyer, Alan will have to help his client from being discovered. White keeps the reader hooked with yet another strong novel that had me up well into the night.
After a difficult case yields a conviction for mob killer, DA Kirsten Lord has little time to bask in the victory. The convicted killer utters something she cannot forget. "For every precious thing I lose, you lose two". This is not simply a threat, but becomes real when Kirsten sees her husband gunned down in front of her. She cannot stay in New Orleans, both for her own safety as well as that her her young daughter. After a brief relocation to rural Louisiana ends up with an almost kidnapping, major changes will have to occur. This includes Witness Protection, WITSEC. Kirsten Lord will have to leave her life behind and assume a new name to save herself. Next stop, Boulder, Colorado.
When clinical therapist, D. Alan Gregory is offered a temporary position helping those in WITSEC with any of their therapeutic needs, he agrees after consulting with his extremely pregnant wife. Lauren Crowder is eager to see her husband to excited and pushes him to begin helping. When Kirsten arrives with a new life and some issues to resolve, Alan begins working her file, while trying to keep it from anyone else. Lauren soon recognizes Kirsten and pries to get the answers. Alan tries to keep thing professional, but soon admits the truth to Lauren, who is trying to bide her time before adding to the Gregory family.
While things seem to be going well for a time, information is hacked from the WITSEC Program and soon no one is safe. With people making their way to Boulder to exactly some revenge, Dr. Alan Gregory will have to work to keep his client safe and ensure that no one else dies. It appears the Program might have been the worst spot for Kirsten Lord to come, particularly when those within the Program turn up the heat. A great story that had me rushing to get all the answers in short order.
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's writing is both concise and loose, depending on the part of the book. The pleasant meanderings help force the reader to focus their attention throughout the reading experience. The narrative foundation is key to the story's success. As tensions build, White is able to develop a strong story that hums along with a great deal of intrigue. Dr. Alan Gregory is not central to this piece, but does well supporting the central protagonist, inching things along to ensure there is no time for the reader to relax. In a story that adds layers of excitement and action, White is able to keep the reader at the core of all things essential to better understand what's to come in the series.
Plot points keep the reader on edge and trying to see where things are headed. White reveals only what is needed as the reader is forced to guess an wonder, while the surprises pile up. Juggling numerous storylines, the reader is forced to make all the needed connections to understand the various aspect of the story. I am eager to see where White will take things and how the addition to the Gregory family change Alan and Lauren alike.
Kudos Mr. White, for a unique new tale in the series.
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