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CLUB MEDicine
What drives a reasonable man to commit murder?
Travis Martin was the great American success story. A former addict who started the premiere private rehab in the hills of Malibu, California, he had it all: a thriving business, a beautiful wife, and a daughter who was the center of his universe. Unfortunately, when his recovery took a nosedive, everything he built went right along with it. Now, he has a rehab filled with eccentric clients he's expected to keep sane, a dark secret he's desperate to keep hidden, and forces from his past that are determined to strip him of anything that remains.
What's a self-made man to do? Backed into a corner, Travis finds himself stuck on one moral question: Can he commit murder in order to keep it all from slipping away? How far down the rabbit hole will he go? And, perhaps more importantly, how does he come back from it after that life is gone?
Part thriller and part redemption tale, CLUB MEDicine explores the heart of darkness within us all as one man balances on the razor's edge between self-actualization and self-destruction.
Travis Martin was the great American success story. A former addict who started the premiere private rehab in the hills of Malibu, California, he had it all: a thriving business, a beautiful wife, and a daughter who was the center of his universe. Unfortunately, when his recovery took a nosedive, everything he built went right along with it. Now, he has a rehab filled with eccentric clients he's expected to keep sane, a dark secret he's desperate to keep hidden, and forces from his past that are determined to strip him of anything that remains.
What's a self-made man to do? Backed into a corner, Travis finds himself stuck on one moral question: Can he commit murder in order to keep it all from slipping away? How far down the rabbit hole will he go? And, perhaps more importantly, how does he come back from it after that life is gone?
Part thriller and part redemption tale, CLUB MEDicine explores the heart of darkness within us all as one man balances on the razor's edge between self-actualization and self-destruction.
309 pages, ebook
First published February 13, 2015
170 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Jack Kinsley
10 books16 followersJack Kinsley is an American author who writes character-driven suspense. His work has been described as “a truly unique read”, “filled with sharp dialogue”, and having “touches of wicked humor”.
For those who love fiction that is about people as well as plot, Jack Kinsley will push you to the edge of your seat, have you laughing at times, and holding your breath until the end. Writing in a distinct voice, he earns your trust and takes you places you weren’t expecting to go.
Get in touch with Jack Kinsley by visiting his website at: jackkinsley.com
For those who love fiction that is about people as well as plot, Jack Kinsley will push you to the edge of your seat, have you laughing at times, and holding your breath until the end. Writing in a distinct voice, he earns your trust and takes you places you weren’t expecting to go.
Get in touch with Jack Kinsley by visiting his website at: jackkinsley.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 12, 2015
Note: I was provided with a copy of this book from the author for review.
This was a hard story to pin down, even rate. It has good moments that piqued my interest, but there were also mundane moments that I didn't see a need for. But Kinsley connects it together well and depending how you look at it, everything plays a part in telling Travis' story.
The characters are eccentric and have a range of problems, and some characters grow on you much more than others, but Kinsley keeps it interesting with various aspects and dramas of rehab life. The centre is the focus and connects characters, secrets, and plot development, and contains most of the drama that unfolds. Travis is also a closet drug addict himself which brings in a nice sense of the blind leading the blind and a nice case of irony, and it is a key part of the unfolding events, consequence, cause, or otherwise.
It was more watching a man's life be on the brink of crumbling and seeing him fall further into despair before finally reaching desperation. Having said that though, I didn't feel the intense desperation I think Kinsley was aiming for. It read as a huge leap to planning murder but at the same time I understood it, which was weird. Even though Travis runs through his options and realising he is being backed into a corner, I didn't catch a sense of urgency in the tone of the narrative despite the words telling me there was.
There are some great and surprising moments though. The story is actually unexpected and Kinsley keeps it going with a few surprises and hints at secrets and dark pasts that are withheld until the right moments. This unexpected nature makes the intermittent moments of suspense work because it does just suddenly happen, but it's the rapid resettling into routine that is unsatisfying.
It is hard to judge a novel before finishing it which is where most of my notes came from, and I think the end is where the story finds its footing, everything falls into place and the story unites into an unexpected, thrilling conclusion. The final moments allow you to see the clues placed throughout that had gone unnoticed, and with everything linking up it shifts your perspective and opinion on how you saw the story, but while it solves some mysteries and shows off creative writing, other issues remain.
A longer version of this review was posted on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2...
This was a hard story to pin down, even rate. It has good moments that piqued my interest, but there were also mundane moments that I didn't see a need for. But Kinsley connects it together well and depending how you look at it, everything plays a part in telling Travis' story.
The characters are eccentric and have a range of problems, and some characters grow on you much more than others, but Kinsley keeps it interesting with various aspects and dramas of rehab life. The centre is the focus and connects characters, secrets, and plot development, and contains most of the drama that unfolds. Travis is also a closet drug addict himself which brings in a nice sense of the blind leading the blind and a nice case of irony, and it is a key part of the unfolding events, consequence, cause, or otherwise.
It was more watching a man's life be on the brink of crumbling and seeing him fall further into despair before finally reaching desperation. Having said that though, I didn't feel the intense desperation I think Kinsley was aiming for. It read as a huge leap to planning murder but at the same time I understood it, which was weird. Even though Travis runs through his options and realising he is being backed into a corner, I didn't catch a sense of urgency in the tone of the narrative despite the words telling me there was.
There are some great and surprising moments though. The story is actually unexpected and Kinsley keeps it going with a few surprises and hints at secrets and dark pasts that are withheld until the right moments. This unexpected nature makes the intermittent moments of suspense work because it does just suddenly happen, but it's the rapid resettling into routine that is unsatisfying.
It is hard to judge a novel before finishing it which is where most of my notes came from, and I think the end is where the story finds its footing, everything falls into place and the story unites into an unexpected, thrilling conclusion. The final moments allow you to see the clues placed throughout that had gone unnoticed, and with everything linking up it shifts your perspective and opinion on how you saw the story, but while it solves some mysteries and shows off creative writing, other issues remain.
A longer version of this review was posted on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2...
March 20, 2015
Filled with sharp dialogue and a touch of wicked humor, Kinsley draws you into a storyline that demands your attention and then slaps you with a surprising plot twist. Paired with a well-developed cast of flawed yet intriguing characters, this novel has all the elements of a top notch thriller. Looking forward to what Kinsley has in store for us.
July 20, 2015
A compelling tale of how easily a dark wedge can displace humanity.
Travis Martin heads up a rehabilitation clinic for the wealthy of southern California, a set-up with lots of scope with its inherent possibilities for dramatic play. The clients who attend Crystal Heights are attempting to face their demons but we soon discover Martin carries some dark secrets of his own.
An out of the ordinary discovery slowly starts to build tension as we meet the main cast and conflict is established between clients and staff members. All present are clearly defined characters who are well-drawn with insights into their inner psyches. A deeper mystery unfolds as question hooks are planted regarding Martin’s wife, daughter, and family issues from his past.
Slowly but surely Martin starts to lose control of his world. The author’s skill here is in not only having us empathise with the lead character but also in pulling the rug from under our empathy by revealing quite believably how far someone can be pushed down a path that soon becomes monstrous.
All the motivations are there, insidiously driving a dark wedge ever deeper into a heart that is not entirely without humanity. And that’s what makes it more believable and compelling. No one is all bad but the sum of many parts, good and bad, begging the question of just how easy is it for someone to be pushed too far beyond clear thinking as to what is acceptable and right?
By the half way mark Martin goes from being reactive to proactive and the tension quickly escalates with the layers of conflict being piled on which results in the pressure mounting exponentially into a page-turning buzz ride of accelerating thrills. The author paints a convincing picture not only of a man losing it but also sets up brilliantly an unassailable foe.
There is a redemptive quality at work here too which is always pleasing and the gritty violence is not gratuitous, but the book shows that sometimes in life things go too far and then they cannot be pulled back from though hopefully lessons are still learned.
The wrap up could have been a little more succinct for me but my only real disappointment with Jack Kinsley is that so far he hasn’t written a series. This author has real talent and I’d like to follow his work by becoming invested in the interesting characters I know he can readily bring to life on a more permanent footing. Do we end up still feeling sympathy for the lead of Club Medicine? Find out for yourself by reading this gripping read which is engaging from the outset and unputdownable by the end.
Travis Martin heads up a rehabilitation clinic for the wealthy of southern California, a set-up with lots of scope with its inherent possibilities for dramatic play. The clients who attend Crystal Heights are attempting to face their demons but we soon discover Martin carries some dark secrets of his own.
An out of the ordinary discovery slowly starts to build tension as we meet the main cast and conflict is established between clients and staff members. All present are clearly defined characters who are well-drawn with insights into their inner psyches. A deeper mystery unfolds as question hooks are planted regarding Martin’s wife, daughter, and family issues from his past.
Slowly but surely Martin starts to lose control of his world. The author’s skill here is in not only having us empathise with the lead character but also in pulling the rug from under our empathy by revealing quite believably how far someone can be pushed down a path that soon becomes monstrous.
All the motivations are there, insidiously driving a dark wedge ever deeper into a heart that is not entirely without humanity. And that’s what makes it more believable and compelling. No one is all bad but the sum of many parts, good and bad, begging the question of just how easy is it for someone to be pushed too far beyond clear thinking as to what is acceptable and right?
By the half way mark Martin goes from being reactive to proactive and the tension quickly escalates with the layers of conflict being piled on which results in the pressure mounting exponentially into a page-turning buzz ride of accelerating thrills. The author paints a convincing picture not only of a man losing it but also sets up brilliantly an unassailable foe.
There is a redemptive quality at work here too which is always pleasing and the gritty violence is not gratuitous, but the book shows that sometimes in life things go too far and then they cannot be pulled back from though hopefully lessons are still learned.
The wrap up could have been a little more succinct for me but my only real disappointment with Jack Kinsley is that so far he hasn’t written a series. This author has real talent and I’d like to follow his work by becoming invested in the interesting characters I know he can readily bring to life on a more permanent footing. Do we end up still feeling sympathy for the lead of Club Medicine? Find out for yourself by reading this gripping read which is engaging from the outset and unputdownable by the end.
May 31, 2015
3.5 Stars for this complicated thriller!
Crystal Heights is an elite rehab center for the wealthy, but it provides the accommodations and services of a luxury spa. The clients are an eclectic bunch: a spoiled, drug addled young man, a wealthy lonely widow, a newly rich woman struggling with her sexuality, a hardcore killer (and drug addict) in need of redemption. The staff is equally eclectic: a comical chef, a straight-laced facility manager, an absent-minded assistant and Travis, the owner of the facility and the main character of the story.
Travis’s complicated life, both past and present are the driving force of the story. He’s recently separated from his wife, who is threatening to take his beloved daughter to her home country of Romania, where he may never see her again. On the surface, Travis appears to be a hardworking man, who only wants his business to succeed and his marriage and family to remain intact, but his personal demons are catching up with him and he can feel it all slipping away.
When Travis feels like he’s backed into a corner with no other alternatives, he decides to take the ultimate action… murder-for hire. It’s a complicated thriller with a surprising ending.
This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review (see all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/ or on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/... )
Crystal Heights is an elite rehab center for the wealthy, but it provides the accommodations and services of a luxury spa. The clients are an eclectic bunch: a spoiled, drug addled young man, a wealthy lonely widow, a newly rich woman struggling with her sexuality, a hardcore killer (and drug addict) in need of redemption. The staff is equally eclectic: a comical chef, a straight-laced facility manager, an absent-minded assistant and Travis, the owner of the facility and the main character of the story.
Travis’s complicated life, both past and present are the driving force of the story. He’s recently separated from his wife, who is threatening to take his beloved daughter to her home country of Romania, where he may never see her again. On the surface, Travis appears to be a hardworking man, who only wants his business to succeed and his marriage and family to remain intact, but his personal demons are catching up with him and he can feel it all slipping away.
When Travis feels like he’s backed into a corner with no other alternatives, he decides to take the ultimate action… murder-for hire. It’s a complicated thriller with a surprising ending.
This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review (see all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/ or on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/... )
October 26, 2017
Calling this book a fast-moving thriller doesn't make it so any more than standing in the garage can turn me into a Chevy. I found most of it to be a slow-moving slog, and it was only through sheer determination that I stuck it out until the end. Maybe if it had been 100 or 150 pages shorter, the pace would have increased, and I would have found it more enjoyable. Or better yet, I might have liked it better if it hadn't been described as a thriller in the first place. Far better to be honest and call it what it is: a harrowing look at the horrors of addiction. If that had been my expectation, I probably would have rated it higher.
The story itself was okay, and a couple of the characters were somewhat likable-ish, but I found the main character Jack to be disgusting, so it was hard to summon up any sympathy for him and his bad behavior and poor choices. I get that drug addiction can make people behave contrary to their nature, but this guy was clean and CHOSE to start using again, even though he was supposed to be running a place to help other addicts.
I'd rate this two and a half stars. As a thriller, it fails, but as a turn-your-stomach, sometimes horribly violent, look into the world of addiction, it's a success.
The story itself was okay, and a couple of the characters were somewhat likable-ish, but I found the main character Jack to be disgusting, so it was hard to summon up any sympathy for him and his bad behavior and poor choices. I get that drug addiction can make people behave contrary to their nature, but this guy was clean and CHOSE to start using again, even though he was supposed to be running a place to help other addicts.
I'd rate this two and a half stars. As a thriller, it fails, but as a turn-your-stomach, sometimes horribly violent, look into the world of addiction, it's a success.
October 11, 2017
This book was quite difficult to get in to initially, but after about half way I started to get involved by the plot. However as it deals mainly with addiction, which I have no experience of, I found it very difficult to relate to either the characters or the story line. On the plus side there are some terrific character descriptions. I spent most of the book just being exasperated by the actions and stupidity of the central character, even though I knew that his actions were led by his addiction.
September 19, 2017
Wow!
This is a very good book. I was completely captivated once I was able to figure out what was happening. It did take me a while to get there at the beginning of this book. I kept wondering when it would get interesting when all of a sudden, it did. After about 50-75 pages it was awesome! I only have it 4 stars because it took so long to involve me in the story. Other than that, it was wonderful!
This is a very good book. I was completely captivated once I was able to figure out what was happening. It did take me a while to get there at the beginning of this book. I kept wondering when it would get interesting when all of a sudden, it did. After about 50-75 pages it was awesome! I only have it 4 stars because it took so long to involve me in the story. Other than that, it was wonderful!
July 16, 2017
Addiction
Set at a rehab center for the wealthy. Addicts who never grew up or achieved anything. Rehab was a temporary return to sobriety, just a vacation. Add a survival threat and addictive and the story evolves to betrayals and threats. Money and reputation complicate the path to a stable future.
Set at a rehab center for the wealthy. Addicts who never grew up or achieved anything. Rehab was a temporary return to sobriety, just a vacation. Add a survival threat and addictive and the story evolves to betrayals and threats. Money and reputation complicate the path to a stable future.
September 10, 2017
If a steady escalation of suspense and a variety of interesting characters is your literary cup of tea? Club Medicine is the perfect fix! One of those rare books you can't turn the pages fast enough and the build up is second only to an award winning ending!
Jack Kinsley has written a perfect book to quench every thrill loving reader! He definitely gained a fan the day I read Club Medicine.
Jack Kinsley has written a perfect book to quench every thrill loving reader! He definitely gained a fan the day I read Club Medicine.
December 29, 2017
Travis is an addict who also built and owns the facility for the elite to kick their demons. Jack Kinsley introduces the characters string by string and gradually pulls them all together. It's a hard book to get into but, but I promise if you take the time to get past the first 25 pages its well worth it!
August 10, 2017
Twisted!
What a crazy (but very good) thriller! The author did a great job of weaving several gnarled threads into a flowing string of story that kept me turning the pages at a fast clip!
What a crazy (but very good) thriller! The author did a great job of weaving several gnarled threads into a flowing string of story that kept me turning the pages at a fast clip!
September 18, 2017
Jack Kinsley has written a psychological thriller that will have you turning pages long into the night! Characters that you will love or hate fill the pages with their escapades. An ending that sneaks up and grabs the reader!
November 7, 2017
First book I have read from this author. This is a good story with some questionable characters, a few I couldn't develop any feelings for....just didn't like 'em. But that's what makes a story interesting. I liked the story as a whole, and really don't know what I would so in a like situation.
September 25, 2017
CLUB MEDicine, my first read from author Jack Kinsley, was a well-wrtten fast paced, multi-faceted murder mystery.
December 22, 2017
Well connected story that kept me reading until the very end. First time author for me but not the last for sure.
July 24, 2016
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book definitely caught my attention. It possessed elements I was interested in—doing it one’s own way to become a success, a father’s love for his daughter, fall vs. redemption …things that should be guaranteed tear jerkers, heart stoppers, and hip hip hoorays.
Did this author achieve his goal? Let me give everyone the pros and the cons, along with my conclusion and I’ll let the reader be the judge.
Pros
Balance of new characters and back story
There are some authors who have a difficult time with this feat. Either a new character is introduced with practically no backstory, or a new character is introduced with so much backstory that it slows the pace of the narrative. However, I must say that the author did a fantastic job with balance—even with the story adopting a poky speed.
Very descriptive of the facilities’ atmosphere
The author took the time to describe the ambiance of not only the location but of the rehabilitation facility itself. It made me feel as if I was enjoying the sun and the food.
The sprinkling of heart wrenching scenes
Along the way, there were sequences that brought out emotion. The most pronounced one for me was the very first one—where there was a misfortune that happened with a dog: one who was beloved by almost everyone at the rehabilitation facility. Another was the scene where Travis was looking upon his daughter from afar and the memories he had involving his time with her.
Clean Presentation
CLUB MEDicine, from a syntax standpoint, was to a decent standard. Errors were rather miniscule, and that was a definite plus.
Cons
Found some of the characters too stereotypical
There were some characters that struck me as copy cats of the stereotypical, like the chef at the rehabilitation facility buy specifically Dallas, one of the residents. I’m uncertain whether the author did it to target a specific audience, or whether he was doing research of what fits the darkness of American culture and thought Dallas’ depiction was perfect. Either way, there was nothing that stood out about him. On top of that, Dallas’ actions were very predictable.
Very repetitive in some spots
In my opinion, Travis’ frown worthy habit, along with his fits of indecision, were quite drawn out—to the point where it extended CLUB MEDicine unnecessarily. How many times must one be reminded of what’s at stake, or that he’s doing the wrong thing but can’t seem to stop himself?
Supporting cast lacked complexity
I would have loved for the supporting cast, besides the antagonist, to have more complexity to make me invested in their welfare. For me, there was nothing to really distinguish Sarah the business manager from Helen the well-meaning therapist. Both women served as supporters for Travis, despite his choices leading him in the wrong direction. In addition, since I didn’t care much for Travis (and I’m unsure if that’s necessarily a con—for I believe it could have been what the author was going for), a character to root behind would have been nice.
Verdict: 4 Stars
CLUB MEDicine has all of the makings of a good read, and I’m sure it will be satisfactory for most readers. For me, I like less filler, more character development—with the main and supporting characters—and more unpredictability, which is where this read lost points for me.
The premise of this book definitely caught my attention. It possessed elements I was interested in—doing it one’s own way to become a success, a father’s love for his daughter, fall vs. redemption …things that should be guaranteed tear jerkers, heart stoppers, and hip hip hoorays.
Did this author achieve his goal? Let me give everyone the pros and the cons, along with my conclusion and I’ll let the reader be the judge.
Pros
Balance of new characters and back story
There are some authors who have a difficult time with this feat. Either a new character is introduced with practically no backstory, or a new character is introduced with so much backstory that it slows the pace of the narrative. However, I must say that the author did a fantastic job with balance—even with the story adopting a poky speed.
Very descriptive of the facilities’ atmosphere
The author took the time to describe the ambiance of not only the location but of the rehabilitation facility itself. It made me feel as if I was enjoying the sun and the food.
The sprinkling of heart wrenching scenes
Along the way, there were sequences that brought out emotion. The most pronounced one for me was the very first one—where there was a misfortune that happened with a dog: one who was beloved by almost everyone at the rehabilitation facility. Another was the scene where Travis was looking upon his daughter from afar and the memories he had involving his time with her.
Clean Presentation
CLUB MEDicine, from a syntax standpoint, was to a decent standard. Errors were rather miniscule, and that was a definite plus.
Cons
Found some of the characters too stereotypical
There were some characters that struck me as copy cats of the stereotypical, like the chef at the rehabilitation facility buy specifically Dallas, one of the residents. I’m uncertain whether the author did it to target a specific audience, or whether he was doing research of what fits the darkness of American culture and thought Dallas’ depiction was perfect. Either way, there was nothing that stood out about him. On top of that, Dallas’ actions were very predictable.
Very repetitive in some spots
In my opinion, Travis’ frown worthy habit, along with his fits of indecision, were quite drawn out—to the point where it extended CLUB MEDicine unnecessarily. How many times must one be reminded of what’s at stake, or that he’s doing the wrong thing but can’t seem to stop himself?
Supporting cast lacked complexity
I would have loved for the supporting cast, besides the antagonist, to have more complexity to make me invested in their welfare. For me, there was nothing to really distinguish Sarah the business manager from Helen the well-meaning therapist. Both women served as supporters for Travis, despite his choices leading him in the wrong direction. In addition, since I didn’t care much for Travis (and I’m unsure if that’s necessarily a con—for I believe it could have been what the author was going for), a character to root behind would have been nice.
Verdict: 4 Stars
CLUB MEDicine has all of the makings of a good read, and I’m sure it will be satisfactory for most readers. For me, I like less filler, more character development—with the main and supporting characters—and more unpredictability, which is where this read lost points for me.
July 18, 2017
329 Cliff Drive was a rehab center known to the select few as Crystal Heights (Pacific Ocean).
Travis Martin had designed it quite some time ago.
1 morning upon arrival Travis had found Nathalie’s (client) dog Jack (Miniature Pinscher) dead.
Dani (client), Nathalie (client) & Devon Cunningham (client) knew nothing about the dog’s death.
Sarah Daley (therapist, former Pit Boss, Bellagio) assured everyone the vet would let her know how the dog died.
The other Crystal Heights staff are: Helen Ross (staff therapist), Diane (assistant), Lucy (Assistant) Rick (personal trainer) & Chef Tom.
Days later Jordan Pratt (45+, client, construction mogul) comes up missing.
Currently separated Ana is Travis's wife (Bucharest) & Bella (5) is their daughter. The 2 live at 712 Hope Blvd (Malibu).
Bella informs Dad her/Ana are going for an airplane ride. Ana wants a divorce & her/Bella are moving back to Romania to live with Grandma Nica.
Jordan Pratt was released.
Dallas Vallero (client) & Betsy Sterling (Starling, 68, frequent flyer client) were admitted.
Betsy also has a Brain tumor. She later passed away.
Devon Cunningham was released.
Nathalie left on her own accord. But came back.
What is Travis Martin thinking?
Will Ana & Bella move back to Romania?
What about Dallas Vallero?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violence, adult content or language &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
As a former crisis MSW for 9 yrs. this brought back a lot of memories. Addictive clients are harder to work with than just those with mental or medical issues. Add on those 2 issues also & it is a roller-coaster ride deluxe. “tough love.” The only way to be with all of them! The Behavioral Science Regulatory Board (BSRB) would love this guy.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written downward spiral thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. Alfred Hitchcock or Stephen King would love to read this. This could also make another great suspense movie, or mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Travis Martin had designed it quite some time ago.
1 morning upon arrival Travis had found Nathalie’s (client) dog Jack (Miniature Pinscher) dead.
Dani (client), Nathalie (client) & Devon Cunningham (client) knew nothing about the dog’s death.
Sarah Daley (therapist, former Pit Boss, Bellagio) assured everyone the vet would let her know how the dog died.
The other Crystal Heights staff are: Helen Ross (staff therapist), Diane (assistant), Lucy (Assistant) Rick (personal trainer) & Chef Tom.
Days later Jordan Pratt (45+, client, construction mogul) comes up missing.
Currently separated Ana is Travis's wife (Bucharest) & Bella (5) is their daughter. The 2 live at 712 Hope Blvd (Malibu).
Bella informs Dad her/Ana are going for an airplane ride. Ana wants a divorce & her/Bella are moving back to Romania to live with Grandma Nica.
Jordan Pratt was released.
Dallas Vallero (client) & Betsy Sterling (Starling, 68, frequent flyer client) were admitted.
Betsy also has a Brain tumor. She later passed away.
Devon Cunningham was released.
Nathalie left on her own accord. But came back.
What is Travis Martin thinking?
Will Ana & Bella move back to Romania?
What about Dallas Vallero?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violence, adult content or language &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
As a former crisis MSW for 9 yrs. this brought back a lot of memories. Addictive clients are harder to work with than just those with mental or medical issues. Add on those 2 issues also & it is a roller-coaster ride deluxe. “tough love.” The only way to be with all of them! The Behavioral Science Regulatory Board (BSRB) would love this guy.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written downward spiral thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. Alfred Hitchcock or Stephen King would love to read this. This could also make another great suspense movie, or mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 22, 2015
What a great book!! I thought I would enjoy this after reading the description, and I really did.
Travis runs an elite rehab centre, so elite that the patients are called ‘Clients’, who have ‘personal challenges’. The story follows Travis, his family and the staff and clients of this rehab centre ‘Crystal Heights’.
Travis was such a well written character, which shows the real talent behind this Author. Travis is a previous addict, who still takes tablets. His life is a struggle to keep his business afloat and keep his clients and staff happy. His beloved daughter Bella is living with her Mother who doesn’t like or trust Travis anymore, yet despite all this I still really rooted for and liked Travis! The storyline shows Travis on a downward spiral, yet I still liked him??? A very talented Author is here!
The Author uses great descriptions in his work that painted perfect images in my head of this story. He describes one of the characters as “a beast inside the oversized chameleon”. What a perfect description for his client Dallas.
He describes another character as having “coffee-shop waitress wit”.
There is a twist towards the end of the book, that I really wasn’t expecting, and this led me to a few very late nights as I wanted to know what happened next!! There is such an eclectic range of characters in this book, that each has excitement and intrigue behind them. What starts off as a simple killing of a dog, turns to a very dark and spine chilling adventure. It left me thinking as the chapters read on, who is the good guy and who is the bad guy here?
Despite all the darkness in this tale, there is hope and love, personal journeys and friendship.
Jack Kinsley left me with thoughts of some great quotes he included in this book. I want to share a few with you, so that within the tales of thrilling destruction, we can see some hope.
“Friendship is like wine, the older the better”.
“Even the tallest tower started from the ground”.
This is a book that I absolutely recommend. I’m already looking forward to Jack’s next book, which I hear he is writing in Thailand while researching Thai culture. I also lived in Thailand for a while, so will be first in the queue for his next book.
For more book reviews, please visit www.chocolatepages.wordpress.com
Travis runs an elite rehab centre, so elite that the patients are called ‘Clients’, who have ‘personal challenges’. The story follows Travis, his family and the staff and clients of this rehab centre ‘Crystal Heights’.
Travis was such a well written character, which shows the real talent behind this Author. Travis is a previous addict, who still takes tablets. His life is a struggle to keep his business afloat and keep his clients and staff happy. His beloved daughter Bella is living with her Mother who doesn’t like or trust Travis anymore, yet despite all this I still really rooted for and liked Travis! The storyline shows Travis on a downward spiral, yet I still liked him??? A very talented Author is here!
The Author uses great descriptions in his work that painted perfect images in my head of this story. He describes one of the characters as “a beast inside the oversized chameleon”. What a perfect description for his client Dallas.
He describes another character as having “coffee-shop waitress wit”.
There is a twist towards the end of the book, that I really wasn’t expecting, and this led me to a few very late nights as I wanted to know what happened next!! There is such an eclectic range of characters in this book, that each has excitement and intrigue behind them. What starts off as a simple killing of a dog, turns to a very dark and spine chilling adventure. It left me thinking as the chapters read on, who is the good guy and who is the bad guy here?
Despite all the darkness in this tale, there is hope and love, personal journeys and friendship.
Jack Kinsley left me with thoughts of some great quotes he included in this book. I want to share a few with you, so that within the tales of thrilling destruction, we can see some hope.
“Friendship is like wine, the older the better”.
“Even the tallest tower started from the ground”.
This is a book that I absolutely recommend. I’m already looking forward to Jack’s next book, which I hear he is writing in Thailand while researching Thai culture. I also lived in Thailand for a while, so will be first in the queue for his next book.
For more book reviews, please visit www.chocolatepages.wordpress.com
April 2, 2015
This book had a very interesting plot and is unique. I don't think that I have ever read anything like this before and this book was truly thrilling to read! Travis is a recovery addict himself and he owns a rehab center for addicts. Although it appears Travis is running a success business, they are many other dark forces at work behind the scenes, and having an estranged wife and being separated from his daughter only intensifies this page turner. All that he has worked for hinges in the balance and his continued drug use complicates this exciting and unpredictable story. I think that this book was so intriguing to me because we see a normal guy who is his own worst enemy, but also has so many other redeeming qualities. This was such a good book that was well put together. I would recommend this one to others and look forward to the author’s next effort.
April 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Club Medicine is told from Travis' third person perspective. Which is good to read as most of the internal conflict takes place in his mind. And much of the book is that inner debate on drugs and the question of murder.
You get interested in Travis' life and how it's come down from where he used to be. But you don't necessarily understand completely why until further into the book. And you actually applaud Ana for doing that to protect her daughter.
It was very ironic that the person running the rehab was the one who really needed it.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
Club Medicine is told from Travis' third person perspective. Which is good to read as most of the internal conflict takes place in his mind. And much of the book is that inner debate on drugs and the question of murder.
You get interested in Travis' life and how it's come down from where he used to be. But you don't necessarily understand completely why until further into the book. And you actually applaud Ana for doing that to protect her daughter.
It was very ironic that the person running the rehab was the one who really needed it.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
June 26, 2015
This suspense thriller about the owner of an elite Californian rehab facility and his increasingly disordered life was an entertaining read, but perhaps a little bit disappointing for me as I did not find Travis particularly likeable, which is in my opinion a prerequisite for liking this novel about his life.
His story starts with the horrific death of a small dog belonging to one of his clients and the subsequent discharge of two other clients one of whom he suspects was the dog killer. The action in the first half, renters around the clients but the second half throws more happenings into the mix.
This suspense thriller keeps you turning pages but did not stand out to me as an exceptional read.
His story starts with the horrific death of a small dog belonging to one of his clients and the subsequent discharge of two other clients one of whom he suspects was the dog killer. The action in the first half, renters around the clients but the second half throws more happenings into the mix.
This suspense thriller keeps you turning pages but did not stand out to me as an exceptional read.
April 2, 2015
The main character, Travis, makes the reader root for him while watching him descend into a hell of his own making. Having the main character own a rehab facility and then need rehab for himself is a fantastic storyline. This is a 5 star read!
September 10, 2017
This is fiction, but many of the things described actually do happen in these places. my daughter worked as the nurse in a house in Malibu for a while. it was very frustrating for her.
I recognize many of the things she used to tell me, not the dog killing, but the staff using, etc.
This could be read as non-fiction also!
I recognize many of the things she used to tell me, not the dog killing, but the staff using, etc.
This could be read as non-fiction also!
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