Deadly Analysis

This is the first book I have read by Ann Fallon. I immediately added her name to my list of authors. Since I generally use this type of reading as a sleeping pill, this one filled all my expectations, light, fast moving, interesting, no overly graphic gore. I especially found the therapist character interesting. He was maddeningly similar to my sister, who is a therapist in England. I could almost anticipate his next thought.

I enjoyed reading this book. I found it smooth and engaging. The mystery aspect seemed pretty normal except for the selection of the murder victims. What really hooked me though, was the "analysis" of how engaging in psychiatric treatment feels to the doctor and to his various patients. This was helpful to me in resolving questions I had about my own therapy experiences. To me, the characters were believably real, with experiences and characteristics you might find in your own friends. If you have ever had therapy recommended to you but felt uncomfortable telling your story to a stranger, I recommend your reading this book. It will ease your mind and you can have fun at the same time.

Psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Darcy is so dedicated to his work, his wife demands a separation because she feels unwanted. After a tense-filled day at the office and feeling the pressure from his estrange spouse, Thomas needs to relax. He intends to go horseback riding in the countryside but when he reaches the stable he learns someone gruesomely killed his horse. Thomas hires solicitor James Fleming, renowned for solving some homicide cases, to serve as his liaison with the police. James learns that his client is receiving poison pen letters and concludes the two events are linked and caused by one of the Thomas' patients. Thomas rejects that theory until his own blood flows as freely in his office as his horses' did in the stable. James feels guilty for failing to persuade the doctor of the danger and decides to go after the perpetrator even though his own personal life is falling to pieces. As an investigator James Fleming makes a bull in a china shop seem delicate as he runs over everyone including the audience. Readers will find Thomas to be an unpleasant chap. Neither one attains the audience's empathy, yet DEADLY ANALYSIS is an exciting, enjoyable tale. Talented storyteller Ann C. Fallon proves that deep characterizations do not always make for likable individuals and a well executed mystery like this one will hook the reader even when they detest the protagonists. The serio-comic sub-plot concerning James' wretched love life provides a counterbalance to the dark gothic-like tale. This work is an enjoyable though not particularly memorable mystery.Harriet Klausner