The Enemy We Know

The Letty Whittaker 12 Step Mysteries #1

by Donna White Glaser

ASIN moved from less recent edition here

Psychotherapist Letty Whittaker, a professional secret keeper, has a secret of her own.

When one of her clients slips free from an abusive boyfriend, Letty becomes the target of his violent rage. Wayne invades Letty's life, slithering his way past the barriers erected between her personal and professional lives, leaving gifts of dead rats, mutilated dolls, and freaky Shakespearian sonnets. Worst of all, Wayne uncovers Letty's deepest shame, infiltrating her AA group and threatening to expose her to the state licensing board.

And then--good news--Wayne is murdered. The bad news? The police suspect Letty. Worse yet, the sonnets and bloody souvenirs keep coming. Someone else has been watching Letty. Someone eager to drop bodies at her feet like a cat offering dead mole trophies to his mistress.

Someone willing to kill again.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Ebooks, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Crime

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

Donna White Glaser is the author of the Letty Whittaker 12 Step Mystery series. Like her main character, Donna is a psychotherapist and lives northwestern Wisconsin. As if that weren’t enough, she and her husband own a residential construction company where it’s Donna’s job to deal with any overly emotional, what-do-you-mean-you-can’t-put-roof-trusses-up-in-a-thunderstorm? clients. Strangely enough, she often comes up with ideas for creative murders and hiding bodies during business hours. Currently she is at work on the fourth Letty Whittaker 12 Step Mystery-THE BLOOD WE SPILL. Donna would love to hear from you via her website at www.donnawhiteglaser.com or on Twitter: @readdonnaglaser.

Reviews

[Jackie Faye · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had promise, but ultimately failed to deliver. The Enemy We Know follows the story of Letty, a psychologist and recovering alcoholic, who is stalked and threatened by a client of hers.

What the novel got right was illustrating the struggle of an alcoholic on the lifelong road to recovery. Glaser does a fantastic job of showing how Letty's decision to get sober conflicts with the siren song of alcohol during the stressful events in her life. It isn't a subject that is portrayed very often, but I think Glaser handled it well. While it was supposed to be backdrop to the "action", I found myself wanting to hear more about Letty's backstory and personal struggles.

What holds it back though is the inane stupidity of the protagonist. Letty is supposed to be smart and self-sufficient, but never really shows those traits. Instead, I found myself shaking my head at her decisions. While the author tried to explain away Letty's recalcitrance to involve the police, it still made no sense why she would hesitate to involve them after a man who is known to be dangerous tried to kill her, and has started stalking her. She doesn't want to get a restraining order, or even press charges, and instead seems to close her eyes and wish it would all go away. She blithely ignores the danger, and occasionally wanders right into the middle of it, yet she survives with only a few scratches.

Despite being a psychologist, she shows a remarkable lack of professionalism and intuition, and it took me right out of the story. This is ultimately another story of bad things happening to a passive protagonist.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book on my lunch break and figured I'd take 2-3 days to finish it. WRONG! The story sucked me in and I had to finish it before I could go to sleep! Writing reviews is not one of my best things... I don't want to spoil it for anyone! Maybe it's enough just to say I'll be recommending this book to my friends.

[Vero · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 20%: Maybe it's me, but I don't see the "dash of humor". I actually find this to be rather depressing.
 
The heroine (1st person narrator) is an Alcoholic (AA) and a therapist. A strange mixture if you ask me - not the best profession for someone unstable I would think, but ok.
 
She doesn't have a good relationship with her family, no friends outside AA as far as I can see, her "boyfriend" isn't exactly dream material either, and the hinted love triangle with her boyfriend and her boss looks annoying from the start.
 
And what's with all those special looking into each other's eyes? She does it with a violent stalker of one of her patients (prey-predator) and with the boss (hidden passion).
 
I am really not sure where the humor is supposed to be in this?
 
There is no sarcasm, no banter, nothing.
 
Not interested in the "suspense" part either.

[Geraldine Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Counsellor Letty Whittaker thinks it’s just a normal day at the office, until Carrie’s abusive partner Wayne shows up. With a hunting knife. After threatening Letty, he makes his escape when the police turn up.

Then the frightening messages start – Shakespearean sonnets about love and lust. Letty realises Wayne is rapidly turning into a stalker.

Then Wayne is murdered, but the strange happenings that Letty had been experiencing continue. Then she realises that the police regard her as a suspect in Wayne’s murder. The Shakespearean sonnets she has been receiving continue to appear, threatening in their lustful longing. And all the while she is battling with alcoholism.

Next, Robert, the boyfriend she just broke up with is murdered. Already keen on tracking the murderer to clear her name, her quest becomes even more important. She suspects everyone, even Marshall, her boss and the man who makes her knees go weak.Butr it is the third murderous attack that is the most surprising and revealing of all.

I chuckled so many times with this book. Donna White Glaser is a very witty writer. But she can also do serious. And poetical. A very talented lady. I can’t recommend her book highly enough. I’ll be looking for more books by this author.

[Paige Bentch-pruitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful

I only made it to page 37. I usually try for 50 pages before I make a decision. This was billed as a cozy mystery with a dash of humor. No way! I don't need to read about a self-centered recovering alcoholic, her childish behavior, "relationship" issues. Don't waste your valuable time on this one.

[bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. I guessed who the killer was, but it was more of a joking guess, I didn't expect it to actually be that character.

This has the potential to be 5 stars, but I found it a little hard to get into for some reason. Nevertheless, it's a solid 4 stars with no doubt.

Thank you to the author for giving me a signed copy at the Farmer's Market!

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Details: Genre: Cozy Mystery, a Letty Whittaker 12-Step Mystery Reading age: Adult

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Psychotherapist Letty Whittaker, a professional secret keeper, has a secret of her own. When one of her clients slips free from an abusive boyfriend, Letty becomes the target of his violent rage. Wayne invades Letty's life, slithering his way past the barriers erected between her personal and professional lives, leaving gifts of dead rats, mutilated dolls, and freaky Shakespearian sonnets. Worst of all, Wayne uncovers Letty's deepest shame, infiltrating her AA group and threatening to expose her to the state licensing board.

And then--good news--Wayne is murdered. The bad news? The police suspect Letty. Worse yet, the sonnets and bloody souvenirs keep coming. Someone else has been watching Letty. Someone eager to drop bodies at her feet like a cat offering dead mole trophies to his mistress.

Someone willing to kill again.

My Thoughts: First off, my sincere apologies for the author for taking so very long to get to this book. It has been on my “to be reviewed” shelf since last year in July. Mea culpa!

This is a really good mystery – while there may have been hints and allegations, I had no idea who the culprit was. Well, I should say, I had no good idea who the culprit was - I had wild guesses based upon who was the least likely suspect, basically. And wouldn’t you know, I came close to figuring it out? I had considered a specific person, and then discarded that suspect in favor of another. Oh, well – the red herrings just kept coming, and that’s great.

I was rather surprised at the ending, after the denouement – it was rather noirish for something that is considered to be a cozy. Or maybe I don’t really understand that a cozy mystery is, although I thought I did. At any rate, I don’t want to give any spoilers, so that’s all I’ll say about it; just that it wasn’t what I expected. Fans of mysteries should enjoy this debut novel, check it out.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads Description- Psychotherapist Letty Whittaker, a professional secret keeper, has a secret of her own. When one of her clients slips free from an abusive boyfriend, Letty becomes the target of his violent rage. Wayne invades Letty's life, slithering his way past the barriers erected between her personal and professional lives, leaving gifts of dead rats, mutilated dolls, and freaky Shakespearian sonnets. Worst of all, Wayne uncovers Letty's deepest shame, infiltrating her AA group and threatening to expose her to the state licensing board.

And then--good news--Wayne is murdered. The bad news? The police suspect Letty. Worse yet, the sonnets and bloody souvenirs keep coming. Someone else has been watching Letty. Someone eager to drop bodies at her feet like a cat offering dead mole trophies to his mistress. Someone willing to kill again.

I love when I get a good freebie! I almost always don't expect much out of free books on Kindle, but this is a good one. A unique plot with the main character, Letty, a therapist and recovering alcoholic. After a client attacks her in her office with a knife, lots of strange things begin to happen. Letty is being stalked and is left with creepy Shakespearian sonnets about love, desire, and obsesion along with dead rats, bloody knives, and her attacker is murdered. With so many suspects in mind, Letty's sobriety is on the line and she has to be the one to figure out who is stalker is before it is too late.

There are so many funny lines in this book that had me laughing out loud. The plot is twisting and turning at every point. I feel like the main characters are well developed and her writing style is great. The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars is because I figured out what was going on before it was revealed. I would recommend this to any mystery lover...4 stars!

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because I heard it was comparable to the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. They both have female protagonists, not sure there is much else in common, just in case you have read the recommendations I have. I did enjoy this book but it is definitely more mystery and less comedy. The characters were good and the story moved along fairly well. I have the second book in the series and will read that next.

***small spoiler in my description below***


The story is about a mental health counselor Letty, who is also a recovering alcoholic. One day the abusive husband (Wayne) of one of Letty's client barges into Letty's office and threatens her because he believes she is trying to break them apart. After this physical attack, creepy Shakespeareian type letters pop up on Letty's car and what seems to be several incidents of stalking and emotional torment. When we think this Wayne character needs to be locked up and the key thrown away, Wayne turns up **dead***. So is there another person responsible for this torment??? If you read the book, you'll find out.

[Breia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not find this book to be well written or mysterious or thrilling or funny. I thought the story was OK but not entirely new and the writing was pretty juvenile, especially with the main character being a professional. I skimmed the last half after slogging through the first half. The book was entirely too long as well and could use a good pairing down.

[Grace Krispy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. From the dramatic beginning of this story to the well-paced unfolding of events, I was pulled into Letty's life. Letty herself is relatable and interesting. An alcoholic in the beginning stages of recovery, she has a strength mingled with vulnerability that makes her approachable and gives her character an honest and open feel. The characters were sufficiently developed, although I felt like I could have gotten to know some of them a bit more (especially some of the other therapists in the group). I certainly had my preferences as to who I liked and who I didn't, and I particularly enjoyed the women in the women's group. They added a lot to the overall feel of the story, and I think they provided good additional development for Letty's character.

I really enjoyed the author's writing style. The book was like gently melting butter, and the further into the story I went, the more I was able to immerse myself. Reading this book was a sincerely pleasurable experience, and it didn't take me long to get through the whole thing. I love it when I look forward to my next opportunity to pick a up book again, and that was the case with this book. The overall feel is mystery with some serious undertones, but a touch of cozy in there as well. The plot was interesting and nicely developed, keeping me engaged all the way through. I was pretty easily able to predict the ending, which was somewhat disappointing. I can see the careful event crafting that was intended to fool the reader, but I think it needed a bit more in the way of smoke and mirrors to keep me guessing. Even so, I enjoyed reading the ending and finding I was right all along. I also really liked that the ending wasn't "pat," and it didn't wrap it all up in a neat little bow. Like the rest of the book, the ending gave the book some additional realism and the reality is that life isn't always neat.

This book looks to be the first in a forthcoming series involving Letty, and I'm really looking forward to the second.

4.5 /5 stars at GraceKrispy's MotherLode review blog

[Iangie2 · Rating 1 out of 5]

So boring. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen. Yes, she's being stalked. Yes, people are killed. Letty, the main character, is dull and makes really poor decisions for an educated woman. I hate not finishing a book. Instead I found myself skipping full chapters and skimming through looking for a bit worth reading. Maybe I would have found it more interesting if I'd ever had a drinking problem, like Letty, or had any interest in AA. So much of this book felt like a report on how AA works. I read 60%, according to my kindle, before passing judgment....and skipping pages.

Letty is lacking in her relationships. The book left me lonely. Letty comments on the social awkwardness of others but never seems to realize she's a loner. She goes to AA meetings and work to socialize. This book was missing a real best friend. Letty is just not very likable.

The pace was a bit off (even before I skipped pages). I couldn't find the wit/humor that others mentioned though maybe it's me that's lacking.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letty is a fantastic character, a therapist struggling to keep her professional life professional and her personal life sober.

New to AA, Letty is on a path of regaining control of her addiction to alcohol, but a stalker aims to trip her up at every step. The strength of this character is that she relies on her humor to make the best of the situation, to get her through hard times. It's also a double-edged sword because it helps her deflect from the very real danger she is in.

Author Glaser kept me chuckling through, even out-right guffawing in parts. To be completely honest, I was hired to proofread this book, so any mechanical errors to be found are completely my fault. You see, the book was so compelling that I sometimes found myself not working, but racing through pages to see what happens next.

Great first book, and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next Letty Whittaker mystery!

[Beth Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a GREAT book by a new author. I read the reviews on GR and Amazon, and decided to give this book a try. Ordered it on Kindle and had it in my lap within the minute. This is a fast-paced mystery with equal parts terror, romance, humor, and terror a la humor. Glaser weaves a tight story sans holes that keeps the reader wondering who done it until near the end. Glaser has created a very likeable main character, Letty, who is facing her own personal demons (who isn't?) but who tackles life head-on with gusto and resolve. This is the first in a series. I understand book two is in the pipeline, and I can't wait to read more from this author. Give Donna White Glaser's book a try. What a terrific book!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letty has enough challenges to deal with in her life but there is still room for a crazed admirer. I found this book quite good. It kept me interested enough to stay with it when I am very busy and would probably have easily given up on a book had it not caught my interest.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.

What I liked most was the "voice" of Letty Whittaker. The book is written in first-person, so the character of Letty really shines through. There are two things I really like about this character. First is her very human nature. She's a therapist who is also an alcoholic (hence, the 12-step mystery). She struggles with sobriety like any recovering alcoholic. Any bump makes her salivate for alcohol - and there are plenty of bumps in this story. Second, she has a very wry sense of humor, which is very apparent as the story is told from Letty's personal point of view.

Letty's take on her co-workers is also a lot of fun. Dealing with office politics and personalities is something I haven't experienced for many years, but it all comes back in the vivid characterizations Letty paints of her work and work place.

The story takes off quickly, with the abusive boyfriend of one of Letty's patients arriving at the office and threatening Letty with a knife. From there, a creepy series of stalking events take place. I felt Letty's discomfort and feeling of helplessness with both the stalking and harassment, as well as her panic that her co-workers might discover that she's attending AA meetings. I did start to wonder how this was all going to unfold, as I was almost 50% of the way through the book. I mean - how interesting can it be to have a creepy stalker for an entire book?

Then, the stalker ends up getting killed and the interest levels perks up. Was the stalker actually behind ALL the events Letty experienced? Was she really safe now he's gone? Maybe not, because her ex-boyfriend ends up dead next.

By the time the boyfriend got killed, I was 99% sure I knew who the killer was, and I was right. That didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story all the way to the finish.

At $2.99, this book is priced just right. It's a good read, well written and the characters are really well done. I am looking forward to more 12-step mysteries experienced by Letty and am interested in seeing how the author further develops the great setting and characters she's building on in this first of the 12-step mystery series.

[Teddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A psychotherapist with problems just like everybody else....

Letty Whittaker is a psychotherapist with problems just like everybody else. She recently joined AA; she's dating a guy who doesn't seem all that interested in her; she was threatened with a knife by a new client; and she has a stalker who put a dead rat in her car. Not to mention the dead bodies..

This is a lighthearted suspense filled with colorful characters and touches of humor. Not my usual genre, but I seem to have developed a bit of fondness for Letty Whittaker. I think there may be another book or two from this series in my future. Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.0.

[Jacqueline Seaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but it was just such a hard read. The principal character, Letty was so passive, and seemed so stupid at times. I don't like books where the woman is victimized and seems comfortable being the victim. Things that were brazenly obvious to me seemed so oblivious to her. The first half of the book was so long and dragged on I had to go back and read a review/synopsis to make sure there would actually, eventually be a murder! About half way through the book became super predictable and obvious, so by the time the murder actually happened I already knew who the murderer was! I think the idea behind the book was god but something got lost in translation. It was like building a house on sand, it couldn't stand. I cannot see myself reading another of these books. And without Marshall, Mary Kate, or Regina who is left?? Just Letty & Lisa? No. I like the cat more than I like Letty.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

I always feel badly leaving a poor rating because I know how much work (and often passion and bits of your soul) goes into writing. But I would not be honest if I said I enjoyed this read. To be even more honest, I did not finish it and merely skimmed.

I love anything that incorporates Shakespeare and that was clever, but the main issue that turned me off is the 12 Step focus. I feel like it was almost an advertisement for the 12 Step programs. Perhaps someone who has been through one may feel differently about it though. I felt as though it took away from the story and from the main character herself.

I just grew tired of hearing about it, really. I feel like the story would have been great by itself but the 12 Step took away the focus.

[P.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through the Goodreads Firstreads giveaway and I am so happy I did! Just finished it and wow, what an excellent book!

Our girl Letty is a funny, smart, successful psychotherapist with two problems: 1. she's a recovering alcoholic, and 2. she's the target of a client's scary boyfriend. But when the scary boyfriend turns up dead, her problem doesn't end, oh no, it is just beginning.

Like all good mysteries, the book will have you turning the pages with great anticipation til the end. It had me laughing, crying, and freaked out (but in a good way). It is a very good start to what I hope will be a wonderful series and I cannot wait for the next installment!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Enemy We Know (A Letty Whittaker 12 Step Mystery #1)
By Donna White Glaser

Psychotherapist Letty Whittaker is trying to help one of her patients get away from an abusive boyfriend (Wayne). Then the boyfriend turns on Letty taunting her and causing havoc in her life. He turns up dead and Letty is the first one the suspect list.

I really liked Letty, she is flawed, she is newly sober and in AA, struggling to remain sober while coping with the stress of her job. The story is fast paced and original. I liked the surprises. Those who like light murder/mystery with a dash of humor should enjoy this read.

[Nancy Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A winning combination of humor and suspense with a good helping of romance, this debut mystery will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers from those who like cozies to those who like it medium-boiled. Therapist Letty Whittaker faces a violent attack by one of her clients followed by his creepy stalking with grit and wit. She's an appealing protagonist, sympathetic yet flawed, easy to root for and identify with. I also loved her adopted feline, Siggy (short for Sigmund Freud), who adds humor of his own. The ending leaves us anxious for the next installment of Letty's adventures.

[Jeffrey Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I am more into paranormal mysteries but I have to admit this was a great read. I was totally shocked by the outcome and how the story twisted in so many places, yet remained in tact so it was exciting and easy to follow. What a protagonist; Letty had no special talents so the reader knows no more than she does as the events unfold. Mysterious irony at its fullest. Cannot wait to read the next in the series when it is out. Kudos to the author!

[A.B. Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letty Whittaker is a therapist and a recovering alcoholic. She's also being stalked by the abusive boyfriend of one of her patients after he threatened her at knife-point. Or at least she thinks it is him. But is it?

This is an excellent psychological thriller with likable and relatable characters. A real page turner! I loved it.

[Sophia V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm relatively new to Good Reads and I've never reviewed a book yet, but I felt compelled to write something about this one Although I figured out who the killer was early on, I kept reading to know for sure. The pace had my heart racing the entire time. I had to stay up until 2:45 am to finish! Excellent read and I will definitely read the rest of the Letty Whittaker series.

[♥ Kierra ♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book had so much potential. There were a few funny parts and I liked the fact that the main character was a mental health counselor (my profession). However, I felt like the story dragged on unnecessarily. The "enemy" was a classic enemy and I felt I have read this story before. Letty also worked my nerve with her stupidity at times. This book was okay to me.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great story and exactly what I enjoy in a mystery...periods of turn paging suspense, a surprise of 'whodunit', and just enough 'eww' factor. Characters the reader cares about and are interesting are also a plus for this book. I will be very happy when a second Letty book comes out.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for fans of Sue Grafton. I rarely - VERY RARELY - give 5 stars, but I enjoyed this book that much! I didn't always agree with Letty's actions, but the fast pace of the book kept me reading for hours at a time.

[Rajuda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I trudged through, struggling to restrain myself from prejudging the book. Neither its theme nor style of writing appealed to me. Let me add that my rating of the book, which 9 out of 10 readers loved/liked, solely reflects my personal taste and liking.

[Sherrie Emerson]

DONE AND EXCELLENT Great Job Donna, can't wait to read the next one.