Closure

by Garrett Addison

It's hard to move on when vengeance takes over.

Bestselling author and clinical psychologist James Malter immediately attracts police suspicion when his terminally ill patients suddenly begin suiciding and harming others. His guilt seems even more likely when the seemingly innocent victims are found to be related to his sister’s acquitted killer many years earlier. With mounting casualties and a shadow threatening to derail his past and sully his career, Malter’s quest to uncover the truth will pit his longstanding belief in ‘moving on’ against his long-suppressed want for revenge.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2023

About the author

Garrett Addison is an Australian revenge author keen to bring something different to people’s reading. Forget your formulaic storylines and cliched characters, Garrett wants to sucker you in to something light, readable, enjoyable and ultimately help you discover (or rediscover) the joy of being totally immersed in a book.

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When end of life counselor in author Doctor James Molter gets a call in the middle of the night it is nothing new he’s used to his patient dying but not by homicide and not doing one night due to foul play when he comes under suspicion he thinks he has nothing to worry about but soon the victims will be traced back to a man who already victimized someone close to Dr.Maltor and it only makes him look more guilty. This was such a great idea for a book and when the guy went in to talk to Wilson I couldn’t figure out who he was what he was doing there and why Wilson was waiting on him? OMG if that didn’t become clear before the end this was a great book and one I definitely highly recommend I have never read a book by this author before but I will definitely be looking for them in the future. This is a great mystery and although the victims are known to the reader the culprit is not it is so good and the tension is only heightened as the victims multiply. What a great book! I received this book from book Sirens but I’m leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closure by Garrett Addison is an intense revenge crime mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from the very beginning. The story follows bestselling author and clinical psychologist, James Malter, who finds himself under police suspicion when his terminally ill patients start dying in mysterious ways, and their deaths seem connected to his sister's acquitted killer from years ago.

The narrative is expertly crafted, with Addison masterfully building suspense and tension throughout. The opening scene sets the tone for the entire book, immediately drawing readers into the protagonist's dark world of revenge and desperation. The language is vivid and evocative, allowing readers to easily visualize the scenes and empathize with the characters' emotions.

The character development in Closure is remarkable, particularly with James Malter. As the protagonist, Malter's internal struggle between his long-held belief in "moving on" and his suppressed desire for revenge is deeply engaging. His emotions are raw and relatable, making him a complex and multifaceted character. Similarly, the enigmatic and vengeful visitor adds another layer of intrigue to the story, making readers question his motives and true identity.

The plot is gripping and unpredictable, full of twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The incorporation of diaries and past events provides a rich backstory that gradually unfolds, revealing the depths of each character's past and their motivations. The moral dilemma faced by Malter and the consequences of his actions are thought-provoking, adding depth to the narrative beyond the typical crime mystery.

Addison's prose flows seamlessly, and the pacing is well-balanced, making Closure a page-turner that is difficult to put down. The author effectively captures the atmosphere of fear and urgency, heightening the stakes with each passing chapter. The tension continues to mount as the body count rises, and the shadow of the past threatens to derail the protagonist's life completely.

In conclusion, Closure by Garrett Addison is a gripping and emotionally charged revenge crime mystery that captivates readers from start to finish. The compelling characters, skillful storytelling, and moral complexities make this novel a five-star read. Fans of crime thrillers and psychological dramas will find Closure to be an enthralling and satisfying read that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read his post on Rosepoint Publishing.

Regrettably, the police did not catch this despot in time. He spent a lifetime killing people in the most gruesome manner. The detective who finally outed him found his sister’s body horribly mutilated with evidence of her horrendous execution. Pleads to let her die were ignored as the criminal reveled in his ability to make his victims suffer.

Finally captured, he is lying on his deathbed confronting his captor and some of the relatives of his victims. Oh yes, he was apologizing, but the deceased were given absolutely no mercy! How could anyone be so depraved as to subject other human beings to such cruelties?

This writer is very talented! He illuminated the subject with surgical precision and graphic detail. His writing would have garnered a five-star rating from me except that his topic is appalling! Writing with such illuminating clarity about a sadistic serial killer is, in my opinion, an unfortunate misuse of his talent. 3.5 stars – CE Williams

I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book provided by the author. Unfortunately, this kind of subject is not for me.

[Val Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrett Addison's crime novel offers an intriguing plot that kept me reading. When clinical psychologist James Malter's patients start either suiciding or killing others suspicion inevitably falls on him as he is the only common link with the patients. Addison weaves an interesting plot that will keep the reader's interest and make the book a real page-turner. What is going on, and how involved is Malter who sometimes appears to be more interested in shielding his patients than finding out who is behind the bizarre series of suicides?

I enjoyed this mystery and the pace at which Addison reveals the answers to the puzzle.

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katrina Freckleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooh this was a good one which left me guessing right up until all was revealed. I would think that it is very hard to write about end of life and all that encompasses it – and I think this would bring a lot to front of mind for readers. Garrett has done so skillfully and with different perspectives all the while revolving around a crime both in the past and current. Strange events take place, a very different story which would not be to everyone’s liking but overall a great read.

[Liz Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

When clinical psychologist James Malter's patients began to murder what appears to be innocent people and then commit suicide the police begin to suspect him. He decides to help them and clear his name. But when the dead people can be connected to the person who murdered his sister it becomes personal. This story keeps you involved from the very first page.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I don't know where to start lol. This was seriously twisted… BUT it's so complicated. On one hand, you root for what's happening because it's justified, but on the other, it's conflicting. This sure will make you think. What a story. Very good

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly written novel bringing together the journey of death, stalking, revenge and murder. The characters in this fascinating story are well developed and keep you hooked right through to the shocking finale. An exciting read and well worthy of five stars.

[Sandie Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an ok book, I couldn’t get into it & it was a bit long winded but I enjoyed it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patients are dying and, though initially not a suspect, Malter is accused of being involved in the suspicious deaths due to the connection to his sister's murder. The chapters switch between Malter's and Melanie's perspectives so readers gain an overall view of the story. This is not a casual read and the regular use of the term 'suiciding' is odd. Nonetheless, this is a good mystery story to read.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robin Goodfellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.

Closure, by Garrett Addison, is a psychological thriller about how far someone will go to get justice, no matter how cruel this might be. The book introduces Dr. James Malter, a clinical psychologist dedicated to helping hospice patients find peace before they die. After being accosted by Detective Nate Kelshaw, Malter suddenly finds himself in the middle of a criminal investigation, in which his patients have begun to kill people. As bodies start piling up, Kelshaw and Malter must find the link between his patients and the victims before another innocent is caught in the crossfire.

I’ve got to admit; in the beginning, Nate Kelshaw was a complete dick. While I do understand the frustration he has with Malter, especially since he treated his wife, you catch more flies with honey. Hell, if only he’d been a little nicer the investigation could’ve started much sooner, and the body count could’ve been cut down in half. That being said, I do like how they were able to come together, if only to try to protect Melanie, even if it took an arm and a leg to get them there. Moreover, I liked the dichotomy that Nigel and Tom had. Although Tom had destroyed an innocent, in the end he got to live, even if it meant being tortured by the memories of his transgressions. Nigel, on the other hand, doesn’t have that luxury. Despite him becoming a monster, he embraced it, never minding what Jenny wanted, or Matter, for that matter. They became shells of what they once were, and for all their preening and posturing, they both ended up suffering the same fate.

That being said, the book does posit interesting questions on how someone should handle grief. If we were going off of clinical definitions, it’s easy to see how their grief would be dismissed by the mental health professionals, even loved ones. It begs the question what lengths people will go through to get justice, especially when they’ve got nothing left, and no one else is willing to give it to them. It reminded me of a detective series I used to read when I was a kid, where the murderer was a teenaged girl who was dying of cancer. It doesn’t matter what punishment the judge handed her; in the end there’s only so much anyone can do. Similarly, the way Tom treats his punishment harkens back to Crime and Punishment, in which the character was tortured by his own conscience. Similarly, Tom tries to go through the same journey, being repentant, avoiding people, love, intimacy, everything. And yet, Nigel makes a point; Tom got to live his life the way he chose. The same couldn’t be said of Jenny.

I have to admit; the somewhat happy ending seems out of place. Despite that, I enjoyed the intricate plot lines and complex themes. As such, I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Closure" by Garrett Addison is a gripping revenge crime mystery that masterfully immerses readers in a realm of suspense and intrigue. As the story unfolds, bestselling author and clinical psychologist James Malter becomes ensnared in a web of suspicion when his terminally ill patients embark on self-destructive and harmful paths. The unsettling connection to his sister's acquitted murderer raises both questions and suspicions, and as the toll of casualties rises, Malter grapples with an internal conflict between his commitment to moving forward and his repressed urge for retribution.

Addison's narrative craftsmanship shines as he deftly interlaces threads from the past, providing a rich tapestry of backstory that keeps the plot refreshingly unpredictable and the reader utterly engaged. Themes of death, stalking, revenge, and murder are intricately woven throughout, adding layers of complexity to the storyline.

With its meticulously plotted narrative and profound psychological exploration, "Closure" stands as the perfect choice for aficionados of crime thrillers and psychological dramas alike. From its opening pages, the novel takes readers on a captivating journey through the depths of human emotion and the lengths one might go to seek closure.

"Closure" is a literary gem that leaves an indelible impression.

I received an advance review copy from the author. This voluntary review is my honest opinion.

[Mani · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating 4.5 stars

Closure is an intense revenge crime mystery that follows bestselling author and end-of-life psychologist James Malter. James is under suspicion by the police when a number of his patients start dying. James isn’t worried at first as all his patients are terminally ill, but they start dying in ways that have nothing to do with their illness.

The plot is well-written and is full of tension that has you hooked from start to finish. It also has great pacing throughout the book although there were a couple of slow moments here and there.

The characters are well-drawn and developed. They are very compelling, you won’t quite know who and how they could be involved but they all come together nicely.

A great fast-paced read, that I devoured. If you’re into crime or psychological thrillers then this is definitely one to give a go.

A big thank you to Garrett and BookSirens for my digital review copy (eARC). These are my honest and unbiased thoughts and I am sharing them voluntarily.

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Closure” introduces James Malter, a clinical psychologist who finds himself called into the police station as two of his terminally ill patients are involved in crimes: one a suspect in a murder and the other a victim.

Overall, I was intrigued by this tale. The story is told through multiple POVs and divided by chapters with a majority of the story being told through Dr. Malter and Detective Kelshaw’s POV. Dr. Malter as a main protagonist starts out a little dry and seemingly uncaring. But throughout the story his character’s background and emotions are revealed and he becomes much more complex- though not exactly likable. Kelshaw, on the other hand, has clear motivations and backstory from the beginning with an equal lack of likability. Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Closure - My first read by this author and my last. Too wordy with tons of redundancies, several unrealistic actions by professionals, and Malter, a character I disliked immensely, all combined to make this a difficult read that did not hold my interest, breaking my concentration repeatedly. The blurb was extremely interesting, a good revenge story, but the author's writing style failed.

The gift smells of petrol and is allowed indoors. This is so ridiculous, the situation and the police with this item. That's Detective, Joe Public, Doctor Abe, geesh! Source: Booksprout. 3*

[Richard D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual medical practice with terminal patients only. Interesting characters and weird plot. Interesting, but weird. The doctor’s sister was murdered. Her boyfriend sought revenge on the perpetrators. Why are the patients killing and dying from other than their illnesses? Could it be mass hysteria, or…?
Solid thriller.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.