The First Stone

Judith Kelman writes with a deliciously satirical wit and I enjoy her books, some more than others. This, however is one I thoroughly enjoyed and feel is of extraordinary caliber. Sam & Emma, blessed with a 3-year-old son named Tyler and a daughter on the way are seeing their stars rise. Sam has been eyeing a promotion at a large hospital in Manhattan. His mentor, of sorts is Dr. Malik, a transport from Ohio. Emma and Tyler have misgivings about the Maliks. Emma, a gifted artist has been hounded by Malik's wife to do their 10-year-old daughter's portrait; Tyler hears strange conversations from the Maliks' apartment upstairs and even Emma worries that the Maliks' daughter, Adriana is being abused. Just as their suspicions about their neighbors are taking shape, other problems crop up. Sam has been accused of sexual assault with a member of Malik's staff; Tyler has an autistic classmate which causes another child's parents pushing to have him expelled; Emma's nephew has been diagnosed with a heart condition and Sam's father and stepmother bring their share of grief into the mix. A kindly and very astute neighbor takes Emma and Tyler under her wing and provides some sage advice. Even so, the questions remain - is Sam guilty of what he is being accused of? Why did Dr. Malik leave Ohio as quickly as he did? Are things being covered up at the hospital where he works? And what is really behind the terrifying conversations that Tyler has overheard among the Maliks? A taut psychological thriller that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, racing to reach the incindiary conclusion. A must read!

I'm not actually a fan of the mystery/thriller genre - but I couldn't put this book down. Kelman is really a master storyteller. She sets up the characters with a flowing style that leaves you with that wonderful "I-can't-believe-I-just-read-80-pages-good-lord-I'm-going-to-be-late-for-work" feeling. The first half of the book has the kind of character development that reminds me of the best of early Stephen King. The second half has all the twists and turns you would expect from a writer of Kelman's skill and experience. Without throwing a spoiler here - I have to say I never saw the ending coming - and I pride myself on staying two steps ahead of the writer. Kelman really hits the mark with this one. A great summer read! Pick it up and you won't be able to put it down.

Kelman yet again proves why she's been able to build up such a loyal following. From the first page, she lets the reader truly get to know and care about her characters. Emma Colten represents yet another complex and wonderful female protagonist, struggling with a conflict to which every reader can relate. How far must we go to support the career of a loved one? Can we turn our back on suspicions, fear, and downright alarm bells? Can we ignore the obvious danger that an alleged vocational "promised land" would present? This is, without a doubt, a must read ...

New York General induced Dr. Malik into leaving his present position in Cleveland by giving him a tremendous salary increase, a state of the art lab, and a new pavilion called the Malik Center for Cardio-Thoracic Diseases. Dr. Sam Colten, a resident wants to get on Malik's good side and study under him. His pregnant wife Emma is uneasy about the Maliks who live in the apartment above them. She hears him yelling at his daughter almost every night and she hears Adriana begging her father to stop. Emma is so upset with what she hears each night that she tells her friend social worker Siena about it although Emma doesn't believe what she overheard means the child is being abused. She is more worried about Sam's interest in beautiful bombshell Dr. Suze Stitch, a colleague of Dr. Malik's. One day Sam comes home saying he was fired as Suze complained he attacked her and Dr. Malik and his assistant back her up. Emma doesn't believe the charges and vows to help Sam regain medical reinstatement not realizing that appearances are deceptive and things and people are not always what they seem. Judith Kelman is one of the best author's writing suspense in the market today. Readers empathize with Emma who believes Sam was tried because of what she said to Siena who did call child's social services. Emma is the strong one in the marriage who holds the family together while being pregnant, working part time and taking care of an energetic three year old who doesn't want his mom and dad to have a baby. THE FIRST STONE will appeal to readers who like authors like Patricia McDonald, Andrea Kane and Jodi Picoult. Harriet Klausner