The Interview Room

Paul Lucas #1

by Roderick Anscombe

Working in a maximum-security prison for the criminally insane, psychiatrist Paul Lucas confronts the darkest and most frightening side of humanity. But he has never interviewed a patient like Craig Cavanaugh. The scion of a wealthy and influential family, Craig is poised, articulate, knowing, a Harvard man whose obsessive crush on a teaching assistant led him to stalk her, and landed him in Paul's care on an outpatient basis.

Paul is an expert in detecting lies, but his patient tests him with disclosures and questions that come unsettlingly close to home. For Craig is familiar with details of Paul's where he lives, his wife Abby's work schedule, and the terrible accident that killed their two-year-old son and left their marriage in a precarious balance between love and grief. Then Paul seems to spot Craig observing him in a crowded mall, and at home he notices things slightly out of place or missing, including the handgun he keeps for personal protection.

Paul soon is trapped in an ever-tightening web of circumstance and scrutiny that implicates him in the eyes of his wife, his colleagues, and eventually the police. As the battle of wits turns deadly, with his career on the line and his life over the edge, Paul must learn to play the game by Craig's rules-for he who tells the best lie wins.

Smart and wickedly suspenseful, The Interview Room winds through twists and turns to a place where nothing is as it seems.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Paula Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Paul Lucas is a psychiatrist at an institute called upon to evaluate Craig Cavanaugh, a college student accused of stalking one of his tutors, Natalie Davis. Craig is the grandson of a millionaire who contributes money to Paul's employer, so it's a tricky situation for him when he recognises Craig to be your typical sociopath. After Craig witnesses an innocent hug between Paul and Natalie, Paul suddenly finds his personal and professional lives spiraling out of control.

This was more a 2.5 rating rounded up to 3. It wasn't as good as I was hoping it to be! In fact, it was quite predictable. I was able to anticipate where it was headed, and there were no surprises. While Paul is supposed to be this gifted psychiatrist able to get into people's minds, it certainly wasn't shown to us. For example, his gun is missing, and a person connected to his wife has been shot in the head, and he never makes the connection? It was one of many scenarios that just made him look stupid.

The same goes for his utterly despicable wife, Abby! I hated her! What a horrid, selfish, foolish, stupid woman. She really dragged the book down. Her and Paul talk in circles for the entirety of the book, because if they had an actual conversation like normal people did, we probably wouldn't even have a book. Why on earth she wouldn't believe her own husband, A PSYCHIATRIST, about Craig's true nature just beggars belief. The author tries to explain this away through the couple's estrangement after the death of their son, but it didn't stop Abby from coming across as a real you know what! I was strongly hoping the book would finish with a bullet between her eyes.

All that aside, this slow-paced story did draw me in. It was especially exciting as it raced towards the climax. It was well-written, even if too much of it was Paul's introspection. Despite its predictability and me utterly hating Abby, it was an enjoyable read. It's certainly better than some of the two star books I've read, so I've rounded up.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. This is slightly spoilerish. I had difficulty believing the lack of conversations between husband and wife. It seemed they had ample opportunities for important discussions, but because it fit the end result of the plot better, they didn't have them. Also, it felt that the police and the narrator's co-workers too easily dismissed the narrator's credibility and bought into Cavanaugh's. I guess I expected more from a psychological thriller.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

Somehow I just didn't fully connect with this book. I liked it well enough (didn't love it) most of the way through until the ending, which seemed implausible for the most part. It was just "eh" for me - something was lacking.

[Steven Donahue · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is it like to face off with a sociopath bent on destroying your life?

That is the challenge psychiatrist Paul Lucas faces in author Roderick Anscombe’s novel The Interview Room. Lucas works at a hospital for the criminally insane and through the years he has developed the ability to masterfully detect deception by his patients. So when a seemingly routine case falls into his lap, he is unprepared for the battle he is about to face.

Rich boy Craig Cavanaugh is accused of stalking a beautiful Harvard teaching assistant who he thinks is his true love. However, the victim doesn’t share his feelings, but Cavanaugh is too arrogant and obsessive to believe that. Lucas is charged with the task of evaluating the accused, whose powerful family happens to be benefactors of Lucas’s employer.

The sessions prove to be more challenging than the doctor had expected, as Cavanaugh matches wits with him. Seeing Lucas as a potential threat to his freedom, Cavanaugh inserts himself into Lucas’s personal life. He discovers the psychiatrist’s pain over the death of his young son and he exploits an employment opportunity to get closer to the doctor’s wife. Before Lucas knows it, his private life is in turmoil and his fragile relationship with his wife is complicated by a murder case.
Anscombe delivers a provocative story with surprising yet logical twists that keep the narrative moving. The sessions are highlighted by slick dialogue and clever tactical maneuvers by both combatants. The conflict comes to a head in a true standoff where only one can survive. Fans of psychological thrillers will enjoy this impressive work by a knowledgeable storyteller.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this because I love a good psychological, medical thriller. This one troubled me because I really didn't care for the characters or respect their behavior. I don't want to make this comment a spoiler, but I read it fast because it did present a compelling puzzle, but it was overall an unsatisfying read.

[Nada Loughead · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick mystery for the summer hours. My first Anscombe novel - the characters are somewhat along the lines of Jonathon Kellerman. Figured out the ending before it happened. Was a little disappointed that Paul and Abby stayed together after all that happened - very unrealistic. http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...

[Kerri · Rating 1 out of 5]

"It's the perfect place for evil..."

Not so much.

[Effy Weasley · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring. slow paced. anti-climactic. not worth the time.

[Kleiner Maulwurf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Puh. Schon zur Hälfte ist klar wie der Hase läuft. Oder hoppelt. Die "Spannung" wird über 150 Seiten künstlich am Leben erhalten. Dabei weiß jeder, der schon mal ein Buch gelesen hat, wie die Sache ausgehen wird.
Es ist alles so dermaßen offensichtlich, dass man sich sicher ist, dass auf den letzten Seiten noch was passieren muss, da kaum ein Autor so einfallslos sein kann, aber nix da.
Mir hätte es besser gefallen, über Craig C. mehr zu erfahren, z.B. wie genau sich sein Stalking geäußert hat, aber das wird nur am Rande kurz abgefrühstückt. Dafür, dass er eine der Hauptfiguren sein soll, ist er ziemlich selten präsent.
Paul scheint nicht gerade die hellste Kerze zu sein. Ständig "versteht er gar nichts mehr", wie dämlich und schwer von Begriff kann man sein?

[Susanne Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading The Interview Room by Roderick Anscombe. New author for me. This book is a psycho thriller of the first order, to the extent that the story itself is steeped in psychopathy and/or sociopathy. Main character, Paul Lucas is a psychotherapist working in a hospital for the criminally insane. His patient is accused of stalking. At one point it’s undetermined as to who really needs treatment. Good read. Fast read. Will look for others by Anscombe.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a decent crime thriller. You almost can't go wrong with psychiatrists and their crazy ass patients. There really isn't a big reveal to the reader, only to Paul, it seemed. I saw it coming a mile away and spent a lot of the time I read this incredibly frustrated with Paul, despising his wife, and not even a little concerned with the villain. So perhaps 'decent' is being generous.

[Mario · Rating 3 out of 5]

Niet echt een mysterie, want als rationele lezer heb je vrij snel door hoe het in elkaar zit. Hoe de karakters er langzaam ( zeer langzaam) achter komen maakt net echter het boek.

Het boek durft soms wel te springen tussen alinea's waardoor er ik enkele keren twijfelde Of ik meer dan 1 pagina had omgeslagen.

Maar al bij al cava

[Joanne Cheek · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an exciting story, with twists and turns, but the ending left me a bit annoyed.

Abby cheated on Paul. Was in an extramarital affair for some time, while being cold and distant towards her hubby, Paul.
She never really paid a big price for that, as Paul idolized her and never thought twice about leaving her. He was there with open arms, as if nothing happened.

[Jennifer Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting book. I really enjoyed reading it, till the ending. I just wished, the ending was more elaborated. The book ended abruptly. It is a shame because I love the perspective of a forensic psychologist.

I would consider a good pick, for a read though. For the reason, the plot twists and turns. Leave a person stunned. Wanting to read more of it.

[Linda Hamster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Op zich een vermakelijk verhaal, maar ik ergerde mij mateloos aan het wantrouwen van Abby richting haar man. Ze kwam daarmee erg naïef/makkelijk beïnvloedbaar over als vrouw van een forensisch psychiater. Ze had beter kunnen en moeten weten.

[Mike Teddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun. It def took longer than expected but it was worth the wait

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good psychological thriller.

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gefangen zwischen einem Soziopathen, dem Job und dem Privatleben. Die Story um Dr. Lucas ist gut aufgebaut, auch wenn es für mich alles ein bisschen zu lange gedauert hat. Die Dinge hätten schon viel schneller geklärt werden können, für mich schien es schnell so, als ob Unstimmigkeiten gestreut wurden, um das Buch in die Länge zu ziehen. Gar nicht anfreunden konnte ich mit einigen der Charakteren in „Hinterhältig“. Auch wenn ich positive oder negative Gefühle gegenüber den Hauptcharakteren in einem Buch sonst ziemlich gut finde, hat mich hier Dr. Lucas Ehefrau Abby so genervt, dass ich fast das Buch zur Seite gelegt hätte. Eine gute Geschichte, flüssig zu lesen aber zusammengefasst eher so lala.

[Amna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really really liked this book, it is a must read!
I won't spoil anything!


if you are the type of person into deep thinking and you are interesting in going into a degree of physiology , this is definitely the book for you!

Paul is a forensics psychiatrist, he has to deal with many different cases of accused criminal or criminals by finding out if they are mental or have some kind of mental disorder. he has a wife ,but his child Adrian died in a car accident in which all 2 of them were involved in. Paul is in charge of the case of craig cavanaugh who is obsessively madly in love with Natalie, his assistant teacher at Harvard..

This story has alot of twists and action. I liked Craig ,but it depressed me that he killed himself. After getting Paul accused of murder of Lou, the man who worked with the police and saved his wife in a car accident.

I would recommend this book and i SWEAR i have to read the next book! i just have to! here i come" VIRGIN LIES"!

[Toocutedobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tragic death of a child seems to undermine the marriage of a professional couple. Dr. Paul Lucas is an expert in detecting lies (or so he thinks)an essentail skill whenworking in a maximum security prison for the criminally insane. But when the wealthy, Havard educated Craig Cavanaugh is placed in his care as an outpatient things go out of control for Dr. Lucas and those in his life. I thought this was a pretty good thriller but not one that keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next thing to happen. I read it in one day off and on with other things needing to be done. I had really hoped for a great thriller and the jacket information describes what could be a real page turner but this book did not quite make it there to that level.

[Mips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spannende psychologische thriller.
Thema: forensisch psychiater Paul Lucas begeleidt stalker Craig Cavanaugh;stilaan draaien de rollen psychiater-patiënt zich echter om.
Meerwaarde aan dit boek is zeker dat de auteur zelf van beroep forensisch psychiater en prof in de psychiatrie is, die geesteszieke misdadigers begeleidt. Hierdoor krijg je toch een 'sfeerbeeld' van hoe het er in dit beroepsveld wellicht aan toe gaat.
O ja, en mocht je zinnens zijn in de nabije toekomst een moord te plegen, in dit boek vind je ook omstandig de 3 basisregels voor elke moordenaar uitgelegd :)

Books&Music: The Rolling Stones,'Angie'

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Interview RoomRoderick Anscombe
An original thriller that combines a forensic psychiatrist and a sociopathic stalker. Once Craig (the stalker) mentions Abby,Pauls (the psychiatrist) wife,I knew Craig was going to make it personal. How far would you go to protect yourself and your family?

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, though not as much as the second Paul Lucas story, which I actually read before this one! While I find Dr. Lucas fascinating, I really don't care for Abby very much; I find it hard to believe that the two of them don't talk, or seem to engage with one another, the way any married couple would. I realize that their relationship is beyond strained because they lost their son, but really - how Abby could fail to take Paul's word about Craig, and how she could believe that he was involved in Detective Francone's death, is totally beyond me.

[Eva Ruff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I glanced at a few reviews to make sure I didn't miss something but I think my initial reaction holds more true. The characters are .... there. The dialogue is sparse and every once in a while the movement from one paragraph to the next made me feel like I had blinked awake after dozing off mid-read.

I don't want flowery but this is almost clinical. The story is pretty predictable but I kept reading, hoping for a curve. I'm undecided as to whether I'm going to search out anything else by this author. He seems worth a second chance, just not immediately.

[JNY · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wat ik heel slim gedaan vind in dit boek is dat de personages heel kil en afstandelijk zijn. Het geeft net een extra laagje spanning. Niet de typische psychothriller die ik normaal zou kiezen, want het was een super voorspelbaar boek met weinig twists.
Ik zou het eerder onder de categorie "suspense" zetten.

Desondanks zeker de moeite om te lezen. Ik vond de anti-psychiater moves van Paul Lucas ook briljant!

[E Jeanne Harnois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harvard people done bad. An excellent premise. But, really, why do writers create characters that should be smart, but are incredibly stupid? Sure it moves the plot along, but it is a really lazy technique.
I actually wanted to read the book described on the dust jacket. Will someone write it, please?

[carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. The premise was not terribly original but in other hands could have been much better. The writing was overly clinical and yet flowery. The POV was too much in the narrator's head to provide any sort of tension.

[Andronicus Kok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading - The Interview Room by Roderick Anscombe. Not too bad story its really scary when a psychopath becomes obsessed with a gal and suddenly your life is in turmoil and your loved ones do not trust you anymore. A refreshing read from a psychologist point of view. :)

[Karen Mohamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite suspenseful and was surprised at many of the twists and turns it took. It really held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I will definitely read the next book, Virgin Lies.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

very exciting suspense book, a not-put-it-down weekend read about a forensic psychiatrist. who is the best liar?