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Dr. Sylvia Strange #1
Dangerous Attachments
In her work within the justice system, forensic psychologist Dr. Sylvia Strange has dealt with some of the most twisted and depraved minds ever documented. Now, one of those minds wants to deal with her. Lucas Watson has escaped from prison. A grotesque embodiment of homicidal dementia, Watson is not trying to get away. He's got something far more sinister in mind -- playing a deadly game of wits and wills with the beautiful doctor.
Now, Sylvia must employ all of her courage and knowledge of the criminal mind to survive the attentions of one of the most violent killers ever known....
Now, Sylvia must employ all of her courage and knowledge of the criminal mind to survive the attentions of one of the most violent killers ever known....
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
29 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Lovett
26 books29 followersSarah Lovett is currently collaborating with former CIA covert operative, Valerie Plame Wilson, co-authoring the second book (fall 2014) in a series of “Vanessa Pierson” spy novels for Penguin Books/Blue Rider Press. The series debut, BLOWBACK, is due out October 2013.
Lovett is the author of Dark Alchemy, Dantes’ Inferno, Dangerous Attachments, Acquired Motives, and A Desperate Silence as well as 25 nonfiction travel and science books written primarily for children.
The five novels in Lovett’s crime fiction series, featuring forensic psychologist Dr. Sylvia Strange, have been translated into a dozen languages, her non-fiction books include the award-winning “Extremely Weird” children’s series, which also aired as a network television special. Her short fiction and how-to pieces are included in anthologies, and she has worked as a freelancer for newspapers, magazines, and National Public Radio.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Lovett worked as a legal researcher for the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General, an executive director of a non-profit theater, a jazz dancer, a playwright, a gas station attendant, an upholstery assistant, and a bartender. It was her experience working in the New Mexico State Penitentiary and the exposure to prison issues that led her to write her first crime series. While researching for the series, Lovett earned a degree in criminal justice.
When she’s not on deadline, Lovett works with writers as a coach, teacher and consultant. She has been a presenter at writing conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
A native Californian, she lives in Santa Fe with her family.
Lovett is the author of Dark Alchemy, Dantes’ Inferno, Dangerous Attachments, Acquired Motives, and A Desperate Silence as well as 25 nonfiction travel and science books written primarily for children.
The five novels in Lovett’s crime fiction series, featuring forensic psychologist Dr. Sylvia Strange, have been translated into a dozen languages, her non-fiction books include the award-winning “Extremely Weird” children’s series, which also aired as a network television special. Her short fiction and how-to pieces are included in anthologies, and she has worked as a freelancer for newspapers, magazines, and National Public Radio.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Lovett worked as a legal researcher for the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General, an executive director of a non-profit theater, a jazz dancer, a playwright, a gas station attendant, an upholstery assistant, and a bartender. It was her experience working in the New Mexico State Penitentiary and the exposure to prison issues that led her to write her first crime series. While researching for the series, Lovett earned a degree in criminal justice.
When she’s not on deadline, Lovett works with writers as a coach, teacher and consultant. She has been a presenter at writing conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
A native Californian, she lives in Santa Fe with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 14, 2024
Dr. Sylvia Strange, a psychologist, is tasked with deciding if inmate Lucas Watson is ready to be on parole. Upon conversation, she finds he is hostile, violent, and schizophrenic. His father has a lot of power and influence, and he will do almost anything to get Lucas out of prison to maintain his reputation. Lucas becomes fixated on Sylvia, and he becomes really freaked out. Sylvia leans on friend and prison investigator through all of the weird events in this story, and she think she might lose her mind at a certain point. Rosie, the investigator is trying to find out more about Lucas while she also stumbles further into this mythical "jackal" who has been a prison myth for a long time. Lucas and El Jackal seem to intertwine in ways that neither Sylvia or Rosie can figure out, but they have to before it gets to be too late.
This book was a bit confusing for me, It was one that switched perspectives, but there wasn't any indication of who's perspective it was being switched to, so you just kind of had to figure it out as you were reading. I got a little confused with the Jackal and how he played into the entire story. I feel like if I were to read it again, I might rate it higher, but it overall wasn't my favorite read.
This book was a bit confusing for me, It was one that switched perspectives, but there wasn't any indication of who's perspective it was being switched to, so you just kind of had to figure it out as you were reading. I got a little confused with the Jackal and how he played into the entire story. I feel like if I were to read it again, I might rate it higher, but it overall wasn't my favorite read.
April 19, 2025
Psychologist Sylvia Strange is called to evaluate convicted murderer Lucas Watson for parole. Her friend Rosie Sanchez, a prison investigator has to deal with a mythical inmate called The Jackal.
This is the first in a series of books by Sarah Lovett and the first for me to read by this author. This book could quite easily be read as a stand alone or to start of the series.
There was a lot going on in this book with two separate cases for the two leading ladies. Thrown in for good measure is the love interest for Sylivia, sexy cop Matt England. The story was ok and had enough to hold my interest but I wouldn't rush out to get the next book.
In typical thriller fashion there was a bit of gore, a little intrique and the story escalates to the final showdown at the end. The relationship between the two women heavily reminded me of Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles from the books by Tess Gerritsen. Also I found the book similar to the early Maggie O'Dell books by Alex Kava.
The book overall was ok, for me a standard thriller but has potential if i did decide to read more.
This is the first in a series of books by Sarah Lovett and the first for me to read by this author. This book could quite easily be read as a stand alone or to start of the series.
There was a lot going on in this book with two separate cases for the two leading ladies. Thrown in for good measure is the love interest for Sylivia, sexy cop Matt England. The story was ok and had enough to hold my interest but I wouldn't rush out to get the next book.
In typical thriller fashion there was a bit of gore, a little intrique and the story escalates to the final showdown at the end. The relationship between the two women heavily reminded me of Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles from the books by Tess Gerritsen. Also I found the book similar to the early Maggie O'Dell books by Alex Kava.
The book overall was ok, for me a standard thriller but has potential if i did decide to read more.
July 6, 2019
Pretty much as expected, Dangerous Attachments is about obsessed killers. This is the type book where the killer somehow targets some lovely woman because she reminds him of someone or needs to be killed or whatever. In any case, we read the killers' thoughts interspersed with the story of forensic psychiatrist Dr Sylvia Strange, who has chosen to spend time with inmates. She becomes the focus of more than one and has narrow escapes while developing feelings for a detective.
She agrees to interview and report on one inmate, Lucas Watson, and her decision to recommend referral to a mental institution leads to all kinds of murder and mayhem.
It's a story I have read before by other authors. Except in this case there is more than one obsessed killer, and in the end the wrapup simply confused me.
She agrees to interview and report on one inmate, Lucas Watson, and her decision to recommend referral to a mental institution leads to all kinds of murder and mayhem.
It's a story I have read before by other authors. Except in this case there is more than one obsessed killer, and in the end the wrapup simply confused me.
January 24, 2022
Un thriller particolare in cui intervengono molti personaggi diversi.
Sylvia Strange è la protagonista, una psicologa che si occupa anche di perizie per i detenuti del penitenziario della città. La storia ruota su di lei e sulle persone che le stanno attorno: Rosie Sanchez, Matt England, ma soprattutto i Watson, famiglia problematica, ma ricca della città con un oscuro passato e un ancora più oscuro presente.
Tra minacce, fughe, assassini e violenze, la storia si snocciola in un volume lungo, ma non pesante.
Si tratta un di un romanzo tutto sommato interessante, anche se forse portato eccessivamente all'esasperazione in alcuni punti mentre altri sono trattati molto in superficie.
Sylvia Strange è la protagonista, una psicologa che si occupa anche di perizie per i detenuti del penitenziario della città. La storia ruota su di lei e sulle persone che le stanno attorno: Rosie Sanchez, Matt England, ma soprattutto i Watson, famiglia problematica, ma ricca della città con un oscuro passato e un ancora più oscuro presente.
Tra minacce, fughe, assassini e violenze, la storia si snocciola in un volume lungo, ma non pesante.
Si tratta un di un romanzo tutto sommato interessante, anche se forse portato eccessivamente all'esasperazione in alcuni punti mentre altri sono trattati molto in superficie.
May 24, 2024
The first in a series about Dr. Sarah Strange, a criminal psychologist. It also features her friend Rosie, a prison investigator They both work on separate cases that meet occasionally and they work in the same New Mexican prison. New Mexico itself is very much part of the story. Sara is seeing a dangerous offender who escaped and Rosi is looking for "the Jackal" who is collecting body parts inside the prison,
The story is a bit muddled and there is too much plot for this story and this debut author's ability to keep it smooth. However, I enjoyed the book, especially the body parts sections and would read the next book but not in a hurry.
The story is a bit muddled and there is too much plot for this story and this debut author's ability to keep it smooth. However, I enjoyed the book, especially the body parts sections and would read the next book but not in a hurry.
April 5, 2025
Wow, this book was a whirlwind. And while some parts were a little difficult to follow due to the constant changing of perspective, I really enjoyed reading it. It’s different from what I usually go for: some mystery, murder, actual legitimate and unsavory craziness. But I liked that about it. I liked that I didn’t really expect a lot of what happened to happen. I’m usually not surprised by a lot of books but I was surprised at many different points while I was reading which was nice. I find all the characters compelling, especially Lucas and Billy and their very strange relationship. There were times where the pacing was a little weird, but nothing that took me out of the story.
October 7, 2018
I felt that this book took awhile to get into and get really going. It’s also setting up characters for a series so I understand being a little lengthy here and there getting to know the players.
The middle of the book was great! I really enjoyed it once the story picked up. The ending was good, then it kept going.
I’m interested to read the rest of the series.
The middle of the book was great! I really enjoyed it once the story picked up. The ending was good, then it kept going.
I’m interested to read the rest of the series.
July 10, 2022
Entertaining, refreshing, and tense. There weren't really any interesting ideas or intellectual questions posed, but I enjoyed it all the same. Not every book has to be intellectually stimulating. Some books are just fun.
November 24, 2025
Fun weekend book. 90s crime. She’s a psychiatrist and always in danger bc an inmate is obsessed with her and so is his brother and his dad. A side story is another inmate collects body parts of humans. I don’t plan on reading any sequels.
December 23, 2017
Easy reading thriller. It was written in 1995 but I barely noticed. It's just a simple, quick read. I picked it because I wanted something set in New Mexico (where I went for a vacation).
June 15, 2020
Fans of Patricia Cornwell will enjoy this read. Solid story!!!
June 19, 2021
Started off going no place and that’s where it finished up!
February 17, 2024
Dnf at 40%
I don't know why. It just never gelled with me.
I don't know why. It just never gelled with me.
March 19, 2025
0 étoile
April 1, 2018
A criminal psychologist is surrounded by a net of deceits while dealing with Luke, the psychopath, son of a senator, more sinister than his own crazy son.
Matt England, her former nemesis in former trial cases, rescues her from the senator and Luke’s conspiracy and her own traumas.
Happy ending.
Matt England, her former nemesis in former trial cases, rescues her from the senator and Luke’s conspiracy and her own traumas.
Happy ending.
April 24, 2008
Forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Sylvia Strange, is asked to evaluate prisoner Lucas Watson for parole, but when Sylvia recommends that Watson be transferred to a psychiatric unit, she finds that her own life is in jeopardy.
Fast-paced. A smart new sleuth. Gritty, tough stuff. Highly recommend. Strong, likeable characters. Well-plotted.
Fast-paced. A smart new sleuth. Gritty, tough stuff. Highly recommend. Strong, likeable characters. Well-plotted.
May 6, 2015
This is not a love story, is a psycologocal thriller with the speed of a tornado. If I comment more I might spread a spoiler and I don't want to do that
A prision is a hell per se... A prision with a killer collecting body parts is a nightmare, is also a place where the truth can be easily hide and twist... Just read it
A prision is a hell per se... A prision with a killer collecting body parts is a nightmare, is also a place where the truth can be easily hide and twist... Just read it
June 19, 2015
This book has book has been compared to Patricia Cornwell's series about Dr. Scarpetti.
Perhaps Cornwell's earliest books in that series, but certainly NOT her later ones.
This is Lovett's first novel. It was well plotted, weird and scary. Good job, Ms. Lovett!
Perhaps Cornwell's earliest books in that series, but certainly NOT her later ones.
This is Lovett's first novel. It was well plotted, weird and scary. Good job, Ms. Lovett!
June 16, 2010
I enjoyed the story line of the book but felt the ending left alot to be desired.
February 2, 2011
Funny how the mind works. A psychotic mind could look at a person and see two individuals...one real and the other is not.
July 19, 2013
Um, yuck
Read
August 26, 2013Read 10/02
November 7, 2013
Implausible.
March 2, 2016
LEGAMI PERICOLOSI in italiano.
July 16, 2018
sylvie, i dnmont understand you
Want to read
August 29, 20181e plank
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews