The Listener

The trilogy is: The Negotiator, The Commander and The Listener. Read previous reviewer for details, but I guarantee if you buy all three you'll love them.

SWAT countersniper Ryan Lukas is on a path of self-destruction when DR. Maria Worley is assigned as his psychiatrist. Eighteen months ago his wife Ginny died unexpectedly, leaving Ryan bereft. Lucas denies his need for professional help, infuriated to be assigned to a desk job while Maria's scheduled to counsel him. Worse, now when he tries to conjure Ginny's face, he unexpectedly sees Maria instead.Maria quickly grows impatient with her responses to Lukas, once even humorously criticizing for acting like a woman. Indeed, she womanly responses are out of line for patient, but Lukas refuses to accept her as a doctor. As Maria's son becomes dangerously involved with the wrong crowd, Lukas steps in to be the male influence her son needs.My hat is off to Kay David, who skirts the professional issues raised in THE LISTEN with grace and aplomb. By casting the hero and heroine into situations that encourage friendship, not only does the plot move smartly along, but also the ethical issues gracefully resolve themselves. Further, David writes quite deftly of teenage issues and a mother's concerns, thereby firmly grounding the plot in reality. The insider's view of a SWAT team is fascinating, providing a remarkably fresh background. THE LISTENER is very highly recommended.