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 takes on a new client, he is unsure if this mother is too concerned about her son's actions or has justification to worry. The Boulder DA has been murdered and a potential suspect will rock everyone in the law enforcement community. As Alan continues his therapeutic work with his client, he posits that there may be a connection to the murder. How he will keep this confidential and yet ensure the truth comes out is a struggle that weighs heavily on him. White develops a tense theme throughout and keeps the reader hooked until the very end.
A call in the night to alert Dr. Alan Gregory to the murder of Boulder's DA creates significant anxiety for the clinical psychologist. Not only did Alan known the man, but his wife, Lauren, is an ADA. Telling her will be a challenge, but that is only the first hurdle to overcome. Early investigations lead the authorities to believe that a cop could be behind the murder, which sends Alan's friend, Detective Sam Purdy, into a tailspin.
A new patient who engages Alan's services as a therapist brings with her a number of secrets. A mother with significant concerns for her son will turn the therapist-patient relationship into one Alan must challenge. Alan is sitting on significant news that could solve the DA murder and forecast a number of violent acts. This also leaves Alan worried for Lauren and their newborn daughter, Grace.
Holding privileged information and struggling with his ethics, Dr. Alan Gregory must decide how far to take things as a killer plots more chaos. No one would guess their identity, which makes the need to reveal the truth all the more taxing on Alan. Whatever he decides, there will be more violence and a killer's antics will resonate around the Colorado community. White ramps up the tension with this piece and keeps the reader enthralled until the very end.
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 presents a number of great issues that emerge for those who hold positions where confidentiality is key. The narrative foundation is central to the story's success, laying the groundwork for strong themes to emerge. As tensions build, White presents a solid narrative that gains momentum as the tension mounts. Dr. Alan Gregory is key to the story, proving his worth at every turn. I could not ask for more, especially when complemented by other characters whose presence enriches the series.
Plot points keep the surprises appearing from the opening pages. White reveals what the reader needs and yet leaves much to the reader's imagination. Tension rises and the story takes on many twists before the truth becomes apparent, allowing White to offer up a great deal for the reader to digest. Having reached the series' halfway point, I am hoping the latter collection of books is just as impactful.
Kudos Mr. White, for delivering yet another winning novel!
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