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Grant Garrick #1
Blindsided
Psychiatrist Grant Garrick had it a thriving therapy practice, a bright, loving, and beautiful wife, a 15 year-old son filled with potential, and a gorgeous home on acreage overlooking the Puget Sound. Life couldn’t get much better. Then tragedy struck. Read the novella, Book 1, the prequel to the Psychiatrist Grant Garrick suspense-thriller series. Learn why he defies danger and adventures beyond the boundaries of his profession to help solve his patients’ problems.
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2017
253 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Tom Bierdz
9 books55 followersTom Bierdz, a retired psychotherapist, was born and raised in Kenosha,WI. He earned a BA degree from Marquette University and a Master's degree in social work from the University of Chicago. He worked in public welfare in Milwaukee and Kenosha before becoming the Director of Catholic Social Services in Racine, WI. From there he went into the private practice of psychotherapy.
Several years later he retired his psychotherapy practice, earned his insurance and stockbroker's license,secured a CFP degree and practiced as a Certified Financial Planner.
Tom has been passionate about needing to express himself artistically. He dabbled with writing from time to time before giving it full energy during his retirement. Finally, he has committed to publish independently.
He and his wife, Susan, reside in Washington State.
Several years later he retired his psychotherapy practice, earned his insurance and stockbroker's license,secured a CFP degree and practiced as a Certified Financial Planner.
Tom has been passionate about needing to express himself artistically. He dabbled with writing from time to time before giving it full energy during his retirement. Finally, he has committed to publish independently.
He and his wife, Susan, reside in Washington State.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 5, 2017
The reader meets Grant at home in the beginning of this story. He’s studying for his psychiatry exam and his thoughts circulate around how much time away from his family he’s had to sacrifice in order to complete his medical degree. His wife seems very supportive and Grant’s son, Kevin, is young but is learning how to defend his father’s absence at school affairs and other family-oriented gatherings. The text then skips ahead to six years later and the reader sees that Grant’s relationship with his family has completely deteriorated.
This story showed an interesting slice of life from a psychiatrist’s perspective. While Grant didn’t come off as heartless, he appeared a bit frosty, unfeeling, and distant from his wife and son. He seemed much attuned with his patients and respected by his colleagues, but Grant’s family was treated to a different side of him.
I liked this story. The tone was grim at the start and hopeful at the end. There’s also an excerpt to Fatal Analysis included with this book.
*Amazon freebie.
This story showed an interesting slice of life from a psychiatrist’s perspective. While Grant didn’t come off as heartless, he appeared a bit frosty, unfeeling, and distant from his wife and son. He seemed much attuned with his patients and respected by his colleagues, but Grant’s family was treated to a different side of him.
I liked this story. The tone was grim at the start and hopeful at the end. There’s also an excerpt to Fatal Analysis included with this book.
*Amazon freebie.
August 21, 2017
Blindsided is an introduction to Psychiatrist Grant Garrick the main character of a new series by author Tom Bierdz.
A tragic accident involving his son has Grant Garrick questioning his own validity.
This novella outlines the accident and the aftermath and brings us to the place that Garrick is in now.
I felt I didn’t get a real good look into who Grant is as the story was lacking in emotion and was under described.
There was one scene where Grant saved a young boy from a house fire. This was excellent; the suspense was real and had me holding my breath. More writing like this will make this a compelling series.
There were also a few errors in the eBook I read which could likely have been corrected by now.
A tragic accident involving his son has Grant Garrick questioning his own validity.
This novella outlines the accident and the aftermath and brings us to the place that Garrick is in now.
I felt I didn’t get a real good look into who Grant is as the story was lacking in emotion and was under described.
There was one scene where Grant saved a young boy from a house fire. This was excellent; the suspense was real and had me holding my breath. More writing like this will make this a compelling series.
There were also a few errors in the eBook I read which could likely have been corrected by now.
February 10, 2018
Blindsided, by Tom Bierdz, is the introduction to his Grant Garrick series.
Psychiatrist Grant Garrick couldn't be happier - he has it all. Then tragedy strikes.
A very interesting and gripping short story.
I look forward to more of this captivating character's series.
Psychiatrist Grant Garrick couldn't be happier - he has it all. Then tragedy strikes.
A very interesting and gripping short story.
I look forward to more of this captivating character's series.
May 25, 2017
Grant Garrick is a happy man. He's got a full practice of clients, a beautiful loving wife, and a 15 year old son.
Today the police have notified his wife that their son's body has been found. He had washed up next to a houseboat after he jumped off the Aurora Bridge. Although there is no note left behind, the Medical Examiner is certain that it was a suicide.
No parent ever expects their children to die before them and the Garricks are certainly no different. However, Grant's wife blames him .... he's a psychiatrist, why didn't he see the signs .. why didn't he do something? The stress of losing their son sends them spiralling in different directions. She wants him to move out ... immediately... because she will never be able to forgive him for doing nothing.
While Grant bows to her wishes, he doesn't see the next step coming ... his wife files for divorce.
This is a really short introduction to a new series. Being only 50 pages, it's a fast easy read. Included with this intro is an extract from the first full-length novel featuring Grant Garrick ... FATAL ANALYSIS.
While very short, it is well-written. The characters are interesting ... I'd like to follow this series to see how they grow into their new lives.
I found this one cruising Amazon. Glad I stopped and took a look.
Today the police have notified his wife that their son's body has been found. He had washed up next to a houseboat after he jumped off the Aurora Bridge. Although there is no note left behind, the Medical Examiner is certain that it was a suicide.
No parent ever expects their children to die before them and the Garricks are certainly no different. However, Grant's wife blames him .... he's a psychiatrist, why didn't he see the signs .. why didn't he do something? The stress of losing their son sends them spiralling in different directions. She wants him to move out ... immediately... because she will never be able to forgive him for doing nothing.
While Grant bows to her wishes, he doesn't see the next step coming ... his wife files for divorce.
This is a really short introduction to a new series. Being only 50 pages, it's a fast easy read. Included with this intro is an extract from the first full-length novel featuring Grant Garrick ... FATAL ANALYSIS.
While very short, it is well-written. The characters are interesting ... I'd like to follow this series to see how they grow into their new lives.
I found this one cruising Amazon. Glad I stopped and took a look.
August 14, 2020
Short, Quick read.
Grant is studying to be a psychiatrist. He has his wife and son and has his entire life ahead of him.
Unfortunately, it all goes away in a single stroke as his son had committed suicide, nearly six years later.
Grant and his wife head for a downward spiral as she wants him to move out of the house. It is obvious that she blames him for the death of their son.
The character of Grant – where he is found more attached to his patients than his family, starts off a little odd, but soon the way he has seen life and his choices become obvious. The story explains the sort of man that Grant is and it also has the first chapter of the next book which explains exactly how much Grant is attached to his patient’s well being beyond what his work requires of him.
Interesting read.
Grant is studying to be a psychiatrist. He has his wife and son and has his entire life ahead of him.
Unfortunately, it all goes away in a single stroke as his son had committed suicide, nearly six years later.
Grant and his wife head for a downward spiral as she wants him to move out of the house. It is obvious that she blames him for the death of their son.
The character of Grant – where he is found more attached to his patients than his family, starts off a little odd, but soon the way he has seen life and his choices become obvious. The story explains the sort of man that Grant is and it also has the first chapter of the next book which explains exactly how much Grant is attached to his patient’s well being beyond what his work requires of him.
Interesting read.
June 28, 2018
I think I am missing the point of this story. It seemed to be something you might read in someone's journal rather than an actual story. A statement of said events and feelings without actually engaging those feelings. It felt flat to me. I did not feel the emotions at all. I had a hard time sympathizing with any of the characters. Again maybe I am missing something but I just didn't "feel" the story. I hate to write a bad review, I'm not good with negative feedback but I feel that there could be more development of the characters and and their feelings.
June 11, 2017
Great read-too short! I rarely read mini books because they are too short. This book grabbed my interest,though. It is definitely from a different perspective than I usually read. I purchased the sequel as soon as I finished this one because I have to find out what happens to Grant Garrick!!
June 10, 2017
as someone who had lost someone this book hit me very hard. although it was fantastically written I found the story line to be dull. the cover makes you think criminal psychiatrist. it is not the case. but it was good.
February 23, 2018
Blindsided - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Tom Bierdz's taut, tension-heightening book really touched my heart with the sympathetic way in which Grant Garrick's character is fleshed out in a fully-engaging way with real emotions.
Psychiatrist Grant Garrick is clearly as devastated as his wife Hannah by the suicide of their son and one could feel absolutely gutted for him, when Hannah subsequently used her grief as a weapon/'excuse' to withdraw from & then divorce him.
It seems to me that there must have been other emotions/issues at play, which the couples' loss clearly brought into focus and that it was not just a trivial event which could be used as a reason for Hannah to move on alone with her life.
The reader gains a grain of hope when Grant finally comes to his senses and visits an old colleague and mentor, who puts him mentally on the slow road to acceptance of his fallibility, [in not recognising his son's growing mental instability] and eventual [slow] recovery, albeit as a newly single man.
I can gladly recommend this brief, but perfectly-formed novella, [that so ably introduces Tom Bierdz's believably-human psychiatrist with a twist, Grant Garrick] to fans of murder-mysteries, [with an element of tragic love] and look eagerly forward to further stories in this fascinating series, that's sure to be a winner...more, please!
Tom Bierdz's taut, tension-heightening book really touched my heart with the sympathetic way in which Grant Garrick's character is fleshed out in a fully-engaging way with real emotions.
Psychiatrist Grant Garrick is clearly as devastated as his wife Hannah by the suicide of their son and one could feel absolutely gutted for him, when Hannah subsequently used her grief as a weapon/'excuse' to withdraw from & then divorce him.
It seems to me that there must have been other emotions/issues at play, which the couples' loss clearly brought into focus and that it was not just a trivial event which could be used as a reason for Hannah to move on alone with her life.
The reader gains a grain of hope when Grant finally comes to his senses and visits an old colleague and mentor, who puts him mentally on the slow road to acceptance of his fallibility, [in not recognising his son's growing mental instability] and eventual [slow] recovery, albeit as a newly single man.
I can gladly recommend this brief, but perfectly-formed novella, [that so ably introduces Tom Bierdz's believably-human psychiatrist with a twist, Grant Garrick] to fans of murder-mysteries, [with an element of tragic love] and look eagerly forward to further stories in this fascinating series, that's sure to be a winner...more, please!
March 4, 2018
GAB Blindsided is an excellent medical novel with a story that keeps you guessing and people you know and enjoy. Grant Garrick is a psychiatrist in the Seattle area, hard working and beginning to feel comfortable with his - finally - more affluent lifestyle. Grant is happily wedded to Hanna and father to 15 year old Kevin, and he feels that his life is complete as is, at last what he has spent his life striving for is his for the asking. And then Kevin commits suicide.
How can you blame your wife for holding you, the shrink, the expert psychiatrist, at fault for not foreseeing, for not fixing the problems that could drive your adolescent son to jumping off a bridge, when you can't forgive yourself? How can you hold your life together when the foundation went off the Aurora Bridge with your son?
Blindside is a short, fast, intense read, one I am happy to refer to friends and family. I hope to find more from Tom Bierdz.
How can you blame your wife for holding you, the shrink, the expert psychiatrist, at fault for not foreseeing, for not fixing the problems that could drive your adolescent son to jumping off a bridge, when you can't forgive yourself? How can you hold your life together when the foundation went off the Aurora Bridge with your son?
Blindside is a short, fast, intense read, one I am happy to refer to friends and family. I hope to find more from Tom Bierdz.
July 22, 2017
Got for an honest review.
First time reading from the author.
I thought the story was good. It didn’t have any thriller part to it yet. I did have a lot of question on why certain things happen. I felt sorry for Grant, when his whole life changed. I do find myself wanting to read to next book to find out more.
Thank you for letting me read your series.
First time reading from the author.
I thought the story was good. It didn’t have any thriller part to it yet. I did have a lot of question on why certain things happen. I felt sorry for Grant, when his whole life changed. I do find myself wanting to read to next book to find out more.
Thank you for letting me read your series.
April 26, 2017
Enjoyable little short story about a psychiatrist's coming to terms with life's unforgiving events.
July 1, 2019
I love this book! I love Grant! I love the comedy and adventure in this book! I thought it was well written and although it had a very sad part it flowed nicely and fit in great with the book as it is what drives great and I cannot wait till his next book! I love that the protagonist is a psychiatrist and not a PI, X X soldier ET see. I can’t wait to devour this seriesThey had no punctual or grammatical error‘s in the book, my least favorite part was the end. If you like adventure and solving mysteries and a good guy saving the day this book is for you. I loved it!
and my favorite part was the whole book!
and my favorite part was the whole book!
April 21, 2020
Emotional story about a psychologist who is self employed doing therapy for patients. Dealing with the unexpected suicide of his only child, a fifteen year old, causes his rethinking of his own life and work. This descriptive tale tells of his self doubts, his faults, and his downfall from family man to single again. Hard emotions are dealt with believably and the story puts you in his place regarding feelings and angst. Nicely written, an easy read that goes to the heart of it all.
February 26, 2018
"They found Kevin"
A short, easy read prequel to the Grant Garrick series.
Garrick has a thriving psychiatric practice, nice home, a wife and a son - until disaster strikes.
Then he almost loses it all, himself included.
An insightful peek into Garrick's history which needed to be either longer or more tightly written as it seems to flounder in the middle. Adds very little to the series which could not be incorporated into the first book a few sentences. However, it is well written even if it does little to encourage the reader to continue meeting the doctor in the novels.
A short, easy read prequel to the Grant Garrick series.
Garrick has a thriving psychiatric practice, nice home, a wife and a son - until disaster strikes.
Then he almost loses it all, himself included.
An insightful peek into Garrick's history which needed to be either longer or more tightly written as it seems to flounder in the middle. Adds very little to the series which could not be incorporated into the first book a few sentences. However, it is well written even if it does little to encourage the reader to continue meeting the doctor in the novels.
December 21, 2018
An excellent and entertaining short story. The story line is great and the characters are awesome. The main character spends a good many years becoming a psychiatrist. He is making a good name for himself and helping his patients. However his world is turned upside down when his own son commits suicide. His wife blames him and then divorces him. He isn’t sure he can keep going. He misses his son and wife. No longer sure what to do and needs advice. So he visits his dear friend and mentor. His advice helps but he still sinks into his own depression.
This is a good read. I recommend it
This is a good read. I recommend it
June 15, 2019
This is a short prequel to the series and the only one In the series I have read. It is a moving story. I believe the f word was used once but no other language. Rated PG17 because of teen suicide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and once started read in one sitting.
Grant Garrick is a psychiatrist and the main character, he is happily married, has a son and life seems perfect until one day the unspeakable happens and life as he knew it was shattered.
Grant Garrick is a psychiatrist and the main character, he is happily married, has a son and life seems perfect until one day the unspeakable happens and life as he knew it was shattered.
March 8, 2020
Blindsided
Found this an interesting read. The main character Grant Carrick has it all, Until tragedy strikes, Not great at making the reader feel for the character's, So a bit flat although I feel it would work better if the feelings came through and the story was a lot longer. I got this free for an honest review,So Thank You for giving me the chance to read something different to what I usually read.
Found this an interesting read. The main character Grant Carrick has it all, Until tragedy strikes, Not great at making the reader feel for the character's, So a bit flat although I feel it would work better if the feelings came through and the story was a lot longer. I got this free for an honest review,So Thank You for giving me the chance to read something different to what I usually read.
September 1, 2017
What a heartbreaking and painful thing it is to lose a child, and Bierdz has done a good job taking me down that journey. A man who has worked hard and managed to achieve everything that a person could want, only to have it all shattered and taken away in one foul swoop when his only child decides to commit suicide. The book tells of how he tries to come to terms with the aftermath and carry on with life.
A beautiful, tragic story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Shame if was so short, but it has left me wanting to read more. Great intro to a series, I would thoroughly recommend it if you have not read it yet
A beautiful, tragic story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Shame if was so short, but it has left me wanting to read more. Great intro to a series, I would thoroughly recommend it if you have not read it yet
September 8, 2017
As a start us story for what appears to be an interesting series, this tells the story of a psychiatrist who is driven to succeed, a wife who is left behind and a son who decided death was better than life. This is not an action heavy story, but there is some action to it. It is a story of the grief that happens when a child dies and nothing is left to hold a marriage together. What will happen and why are the core parts to this story.
I enjoyed it though I can say I honestly see why some people might not. It was a short read, maybe an hour and a half, but is packed with character development.
I would recommend it to anyone interested in a quick short read about people.
I enjoyed it though I can say I honestly see why some people might not. It was a short read, maybe an hour and a half, but is packed with character development.
I would recommend it to anyone interested in a quick short read about people.
April 29, 2019
Thinking about so much after reading this book. I have many family members as well as friends that have mental problems. Drepression as well. Having to lose a family member to depression is one of the most aful things to go through especially if you didnt pay attention to the signs they were giving off. Not being able to talk about you feelings and what your emotions are doing to you is painful and not only to you but to family as well. Please seek help and talk to someone when you feel life is not worth living. Someone loves you and is willing to be there for you. Real eye opener. Worth the read.
April 11, 2017
BLINDSIDED by Tom Blerdz . A son you raised and loved, jumps off a bridge. You want to comfort your wife Hannah, yet you can't, she blames you. She tells you, that you were the shrink, the expert, you should of noticed the depression. He made an attempt to talk to his son, but thought it was just adolescent. The son, Hanna feels was selfish,in destroying his mother and father, but the family. Is the love they had before strong enough to overcome the tradegy, or is the hurt too deep. A powerful look at an unexpected end of life for someone so young, and it was your child.
July 22, 2017
This is book 1 in the Psychiatrist Grant Garrick Series and a short introduction to the series. Since it's only 50 pages it can be read quickly. This book really sets up the series to follow and is about how differently people handle grief. Grant had it all, a wonderful wife, son, friends, home and medical practice. Then it all came crumbling down with the 'apparent' suicide of his son. Fast paced and very emotional. A great read and can't wait to continue the series. I had received a complimentary copy, but also purchased a copy and voluntarily chose to review this prequel.
February 19, 2018
A quick read that introduces and prepares you for the follow-up books in the series. It develops the characters so you will be ready to move right into the next book in the series. Sort of a sad story, but cuts into reality, and will really make you want to read the next book(s). Don't look for too much in this book except the preparation to move on. The words fly off the pages and before you know you're done.
April 8, 2018
As a people person I enjoy the way characters are introduced with out the long drawn out description but several mini insights that this story employs
I am a first time reader of Biertz and am looking forward to the next story of his. He has a relaxed way and flow that appeals to me.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a relaxing read. I choose the rating because I like his writing and I never give 5 stars after only reading one story of an author
I am a first time reader of Biertz and am looking forward to the next story of his. He has a relaxed way and flow that appeals to me.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a relaxing read. I choose the rating because I like his writing and I never give 5 stars after only reading one story of an author
September 10, 2017
This was a quick read. A fast paced novella that introduced psychiatrist Grant Garrick,,,flew through some tragic events in his life. Gave him an episode with a bit of redemption. Then had a brief scene where a superior colleague convinced him to keep practicing. Not too bad and may read more of the series if given opportunity.
September 21, 2017
Was reading Blindside by Thomas Bierdz. It's a story about the trials and tribulations that a psychiatrist goes through after the suicide of his son. I was very engrossed in the story and then turn tha page and it was done. I think THAT'S IT.?. Was disappointed it ended so abruptly but guess it just means I'll be looking for more. Great job.
Cheers
Lynn
Cheers
Lynn
September 22, 2017
A great short story!!!!
I wasn't sure that I would enjoy this book, since I normally read cozy mysteries. However, this book had me hooked from the very beginning. I really liked it and I plan on reading more books from this author. He has a way with words and it just flowed. I read it in one setting. If you have the chance to get this book I think you also would like it.
I wasn't sure that I would enjoy this book, since I normally read cozy mysteries. However, this book had me hooked from the very beginning. I really liked it and I plan on reading more books from this author. He has a way with words and it just flowed. I read it in one setting. If you have the chance to get this book I think you also would like it.
September 27, 2017
Wow what a superb book by an amazing first time author for me. Just loved every word and didn't want the story to end. Definitely ready for more.
Merged review:
Psychiatrist Grant seems to have it all, then disaster strikes. An accident that changes everything in his life. An amazing story that left me wanting more.
Merged review:
Psychiatrist Grant seems to have it all, then disaster strikes. An accident that changes everything in his life. An amazing story that left me wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews