The Fregoli Delusion

Donaghue and Stainer Crime Novel #3

by Michael J. McCann

When the only eyewitness to the murder of a billionaire suffers from a rare psychotic disorder that causes a delusional misidentification of people, Lieutenant Hank Donaghue must search for evidence of the killer among the wealthiest members of Glendale's social class - including close friends of his own mother. Detective Karen Stainer, on the other hand, firmly believes that the eyewitness was not delusional and is telling the truth when he identifies the killer as the man he believes is persecuting him!

Genres: Mystery

268 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2012

About the author

Michael J. McCann is the author of SORROW LAKE, a March and Walker Crime Novel set in Canada. This novel was a finalist for the 2015 international Hammett Prize for best literary work in a crime novel by a Canadian or US author. He has subsequently published four more books in this series: BURN COUNTRY, PERSISTENT GUILT, NO SADNESS OF FAREWELL, and A DEATH IN WINTER (October 2020).

THE LONG ROAD INTO DARKNESS is the first book in a new series by Michael J. McCann also set in Canada and featuring retired police detective Tom Faust.

He has also written four novels in the Donaghue and Stainer Crime Novel series set in the U.S., including BLOOD PASSAGE, MARCIE'S MURDER, THE FREGOLI DELUSION, and THE RAINY DAY KILLER.

In addition, he has published a supernatural thriller entitled THE GHOST MAN.

He has also published a subsequent supernatural thriller, TWILIGHT ROAD: A MADDIE HUBBARD NOVEL OF SUPERNATURAL SUSPENSE, and a science fiction thriller, PROJECT CHANGELING: A SERENA KEILOR NOVEL.

His books are available in e-book and paperback format at https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=Michael+J+M....

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a First Reads giveaway.

The Fregoli Delusion was a quick read through, despite me taking such a long time (which was because I was caught up in reading other books at the same time). I was completely unknowledgeable to what fregoli delusion was until I read this book, which opened my eyes to it. Which was nice because I learned about something new.

There are a lot of nice, unexpected twists in the story. I liked the twist of Mary Holland claiming that Richard was HJ Jarret's son, which I saw as a shocking revealation, then later Richard saying that it was really false. Also, when Mary took off when she said she was going to speak with her lawyer, I was stunned.

[tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great whodunnit story.

McCann's writing style is clean making the pages turn quickly. This is my first of the Donaghue and Stainer series and I am surprised at how much character development McCann was able to build while keeping the story moving at this fast pace. I love the differences of style and personality of the two main detectives. It was almost humorous at times.

I knew nothing of the Fregoli delusion before I read this book. This was an interesting and unique aspect of the story. I am always happy when I am introduced to new things.

I look forward to more of the Stainer and Donaghue series.

*I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. A free book does not equal a favorable review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book in the Donaghue and Stainer series by Michael J. McCann, The Fregoli Delusion provides another good mystery along with information about a rare condition:

The Fregoli delusion, or the delusion of doubles, is a rare disorder in which a person holds a delusional belief that different people are in fact a single person who changes appearance or is in disguise. The syndrome may be related to a brain lesion[citation needed] and is often of a paranoid nature, with the delusional person believing themselves persecuted by the person they believe is in disguise. (Wikipedia)

(more at Garden Carried in the Pocket)

[Jennifer Toliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm now obsessed with McCann. In a totally acceptable, non-creepy way that is. He crams some incredible, heart-thumping entertainment in just 259 pages. All without making the story seem rushed or lacking.

This is the third novel featuring the main two characters but the first I've read. Still, I wasn't left feeling like I'd missed out so much I didn't know anything about them. AND...I'll be sure to catch up on the other two asap.


I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.