Mystery/Thriller -- 4 1/2 stars
Dr. Gretchen White - Book 1
Gretchen White is an admitted sociopath--though she admits only to the non-violent side of her nature. Detective Shaughnessy has known Gretchen since she was a child who he suspected of killing her aunt. Now all grown up and a Ph.D. holding specialist in antisocial behavior, Shaughnessy asks for her help with a case that involves Viola, a young sociopath indicted for killing her mother. But first Gretchen wants to eliminate some other people who are part of Viola's orbit. All were friends growing up; all have attained a degree of financial and social success. All know Viola and knew her mother. Let the sorting begin. ----- What a fun twist Ms. Labuskes has built into her primary character. There are times where Gretchen's inner dialogue gets a bit heavy handed, (she's a non-violent sociopath, we get it already!) but for the most part it works, and works well. The relationship between the detective/babysitter Shaughnessy assigns to work with Gretchen is particularly enjoyable. Fast paced and filled with well aimed wrenches that serve to throw the reader an assortment of curves--or are they clues? This is a book loaded with possibilities and populated with complex, well written characters who will keep you guessing right up until the final out-of-nowhere-but-completely-plausible twist. There is a second book featuring Dr. Gretchen White coming next Spring. I will be adding it to my Wish List.
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