Truth Catcher

by Anna Salter

Forensic psychologist Breeze Copens has a gift. She not only hears the truth, she also sees it. So she knows when Daryl Collins-a born-again but remorseless con jailed in Seattle for armed robbery-is lying. What she doesn't know is the identity of the -little girl in a blue dress with yellow daisies who appears suddenly in her line of -vision during her interview with Daryl. And Daryl isn't telling. A heart-stopping thriller, its twists unexpected, its suspense mounting as the steely Breeze attempts to make hard evidence of her intuition, Truth Catcher sets the leggy, red-haired forensic expert on an increasingly treacherous course. It takes her eventually to Dallas, where she falls headfirst into the investigation of an unsolved murder of a four-year-old girl (in a blue dress with yellow daisies) a decade earlier. More dangerously, it puts her in the path of Daryl's half-brother, a creepy drug lord who goes by the name of Trash.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

281 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

These are the fiction books by author Anna C. Salter.

Anna Salter is a forensic psychologist. Dr. Salter received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Public Practice from Harvard University and obtained a Masters Degree in Child Study from Tufts. She lectures and consults on sex offenders and victims throughout the United States and abroad. Dr. Salter also evaluates sex offenders for civil commitment proceedings and other purposes. She testifies as an expert witness in sexual abuse civil and criminal cases.

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently used Dr. Salter an expert witness in a sexually violent predator commitment. That is when I discovered that she was also author of several books of fiction. I decided to read this, her most recent book. Truth Catcher spins a tale the winds around a story of spousal abuse and a story related the heroine's profession as a psychologist who evaluates sex offenders in regard to te sexual predator committment law. As a prosecutor who has dealt with sexual predators for nearly thirty years, I found her story to be both suspenseful, as well as accurate concerning many of the aspects of dealing with such predators. I highly recommend this book.

[September · Rating 1 out of 5]

To much legal stuff.....?
But this book.....I first saw it in a second hand store. Obviously "forensic psychologist" popped out at me. I took a picture of it (didn't buy it) but was not able to find it anywhere. Not on Libby. Not as a physical book in the library. Not on hoopla. I also asked various ebook groups and ebook suppliers. They really tried but no one could get it. Finally a few weeks ago I discovered how to suggest books online for the library. So I did. And I got it! From a nearby county. I didn't even want to read it.

[Barb Chamberlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for the faint of heart. Fairly scary, creepy scary. One of my complaints is that the book was not well edited, missing words and punctuation—not a good look. Otherwise, good story, moved quickly. Psychologist with synesthesia, helping to keep the bad guys off the street.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many typos and errors! Does the publisher not have an editor?

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! What a great book!! Suspense, literally could not stop reading it. Great book

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked is the idea of a psychologist with synesthesia. Now that’s interesting.

[Nancy Tompkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book-kept my interest & was a quick read. Not too much far out drama that ruins many suspense stories. Will pass this one on---

[Terry Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth will out!

A remarkable understanding of victims and perpetrators in this suspenseful novel. Our protagonist continues in her isolated living arrangements to attract problems that deal with the underbelly of the abuse arena and the pitfalls of our current assessment instruments and community risk. Fast paced.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out as a five-star rating. It was a very intriguing beginning as main character, Breeze Copens, a forensic psychologist, interviews a jailed con man to assess whether or not he should be released at the end of his incarceration term or civilly committed. The author, herself a forensic psychologist, was able to create a very realistic suspense thriller by incorporating much of her own knowledge and experience. However, by mid-way through the book I felt like there were just so many different story lines and characters vying for the spotlight that the plot, storylines, and characters became a little muddled and watered-down. Additionally, the number of grammatical errors in the book created some frustration for me and forced me to lower my rating to three stars in the end. However, I did like the author’s writing style well enough to read another book by her in the future.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess it's only fitting that I follow up one of the best books I've read recently with one of the worst. The jacket copy drew me in to this story about a forensic psychologist who sees voices as colors and can tell when someone is lying. Breeze Copen is called in to evaluate whether or not Daryl Collins should be released after his prison sentence is complete or be civilly committed. While talking to Daryl, she sees a vision of a little girl and asks Daryl what he might know about her, opening up a huge can of worms in the process.

I wanted to like this, I really did. The premise is intriguing, but the execution blows. The author switches between first and third person POVs, but it's random and not all that coherent. There are numerous editing errors throughout the book, an irritating distraction, and the story lacks credible tension and suspense.

[Sherry Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

From author of series featuring Dr. Stone, this new series begins with Dr. Copens, also a forensic psychologist like Dr. Stone. But Dr. Copens has a gift for not only hearing the truth, she also sees it.
In the first book of this new series, Copens is interviewing inmate Daryl Collins--a born-again but remorseless con jailed in Seattle for armed robbery. Now she searched for the identity of a little girl that Daryl is not telling her about even though is reaction tells her he is responsible for her death. On the outside, Daryl's brother is a drug lord called "Trash". The brothers think Dr. Copen knows too much, and she is no longer safe in her hideaway with her young ward.
If she finds out details of this little girl, Daryl can face charges for murder, thereby not only ending his chance for parole, but facing life in prison or death.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is rare for me to read quickly, but this was a one and a half day read for me. The characters were interestingly drawn, but not overly complex for the plot, the plot was interesting but also direct, not overdone with twist and turns. The synesthesia angle is really well done and the side plot added extra depth without being distracting. It was just a good weekend mystery. I will definitely read other Anna Salter books and soon!

[Renee K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good suspense novel; However, if you have professional or personal experience with domestic violence, it is a little too close to home and you would probably guess part of the ending. To be clear for those with a weak stomach, it does not have graphic scenes, but it addresses history of crimes that are rather detailed as this author is also a forensic psychologist who interviews and assesses sex offenders for a living.

[Linda Quinton-Burr · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's writing style doesn't exactly flow, more choppy than I would like. She absolutely knows her subject matter and the plot keeps you with the characters, even though they are a bit cardboardy. I'd put it high on any to read list. I read it years ago and it was every bit as good (and cardboardy) this time through.

[Holly Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this book--smart, well-crafted, unusual. the main character experiences synesthesia, with voices appearing to her as shapes & colors. another character is a battered wife & the descriptions of the abuse she endures are not easy to read--a harrowing portrayal of a person losing herself.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A forensic psychologist who sees voices uncovers the truth about a young child's murder and helps her childhood friend who has become a battered wife. I would definitely read another book by this author, even though the plot was somewhat far fetched. Very readable.

[MrsB. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thriller part was cut short due to the two storylines.It might have been better if the author would have stuck to ONE. I also found that there was too much discription of places - if I want to read a book about living on an island I'll do ;)

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

crime suspense - interesting in that main character has synesthesia; worth a light read

[John Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent light read. Enough depth to keep one interested yet shallow enough to not make your head hurt.

First read of this author, will try more.

(If you like 'Bones', worth a try).

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, nice subplots, everything tied up neatly by the end following a few unexpected twists and turns. Enjoyed the Outer Banks setting.

[Kara Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Great, face-paced thriller!

[M&M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. Pace was a bit slow but enjoyed the story line. I don't really care for mysteries but I did enjoy reading this one.