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Alan Gregory #2
Private Practices
As a nightmare blizzard of evil sweeps a Rocky Mountain winter wonderland, a trail of secret sins leads clinical psychologist Dr. Alan Gregory deeper into the heart and mind of a monstrous murderer.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
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922 people want to read
About the author
Stephen White
285 books569 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Stephen White is the author of the New York Times bestselling Alan Gregory novels. In his books, he draws upon over fifteen years of clinical practice as a psychologist to create intriguing plots and complex, believable characters.
Born on Long Island, White grew up in New York, New Jersey, and Southern California and attended the University of California campuses at Irvine (where he lasted three weeks as a creative writing major) and Los Angeles before graduating from Berkeley in 1972. Along the way he learned to fly small planes, worked as a tour guide at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, cooked and waited tables at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, and tended bar at the Red Lion Inn in Boulder. Trained as a clinical psychologist, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in 1979 and became known as an authority on the psychological effects of marital disruption, especially on men. White's research has appeared in Psychological Bulletin and other professional journals and books. After receiving his doctorate, White not only worked in private practice but also at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and later as a staff psychologist at The Children's Hospital in Denver, where he focused his attention on pediatric cancer patients. During those years he became acquainted with a colleague in Los Angeles, another pediatric psychologist named Jonathan Kellerman. At the time, Kellerman and White were two of only about a dozen psychologists in the country working in pediatric oncology.
Series:
* Alan Gregory
Stephen White is the author of the New York Times bestselling Alan Gregory novels. In his books, he draws upon over fifteen years of clinical practice as a psychologist to create intriguing plots and complex, believable characters.
Born on Long Island, White grew up in New York, New Jersey, and Southern California and attended the University of California campuses at Irvine (where he lasted three weeks as a creative writing major) and Los Angeles before graduating from Berkeley in 1972. Along the way he learned to fly small planes, worked as a tour guide at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, cooked and waited tables at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, and tended bar at the Red Lion Inn in Boulder. Trained as a clinical psychologist, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in 1979 and became known as an authority on the psychological effects of marital disruption, especially on men. White's research has appeared in Psychological Bulletin and other professional journals and books. After receiving his doctorate, White not only worked in private practice but also at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and later as a staff psychologist at The Children's Hospital in Denver, where he focused his attention on pediatric cancer patients. During those years he became acquainted with a colleague in Los Angeles, another pediatric psychologist named Jonathan Kellerman. At the time, Kellerman and White were two of only about a dozen psychologists in the country working in pediatric oncology.
Series:
* Alan Gregory
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
June 3, 2024
Returning to re-read Stephen White’s great thriller collection after a number of years, this summer binge should be a great adventure. White sets the tempo well with this second novel, in which Dr. Alan Gregory must explore a mysterious set of deaths while also trying to handle a teenage patient who has some significant mental and psychological issues. The tension builds as the danger injects itself into the middle of this novel. White provides a stellar reading experience, where the action never takes a break. A strong second novel that kept me flipping pages for long periods of time.
Dr. Alan Gregory is a reputable clinical psychologist, whose practice is quaint, but also quite useful to the citizens of Boulder, Colorado. When a scuffle inside his partner’s office leads to gunshots, Alan cannot help but wonder if Diane has been hurt, or worse. It turns out that the husband of Diane’s client discovered her intention to divorce and thought he could solve things on his own. With one dead and another significantly injured, the police arrive to investigate, headed up by Detective Sam Purdy. Things seem clear-cut, at least for the time being.
As things settle a little, Alan focusses on his own client, Randy, a teenage boy whose entire family died in a plane crash. Fragile and yet determined to move on, Randy works with Dr. Gregory to better understand himself, which will take some time, while trying to adapt to life with his aunt and uncle, his guardians for the time being. Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, Alan takes on a side job as a consultant with the Boulder County Coroner’s Office, looking into manner of death for some of those who are found. He works more with Detective Sam Purdy, creating a strong professional relationship as they explore a man found in a house full of gas fumes. Might this have been an odd suicide?
News of an empaneled grand jury in Boulder makes its way to Alan through a therapy session. Two of its purported members have died mysteriously. Alan has to wonder if there is someone trying to kill those who have been brought together to render a decision of some magnitude. His idea sticks and many begin to explore the possibility a little more, including Detective Purdy. This is a distraction for Alan, who is trying to strengthen his relationship with his current love interest, Deputy District Attorney Lauren Crowder, still suffering with her MS. Alan’s soon-to-be ex-wife, returns with news that could blow everything wide open. There’s never a dull moment for Dr. Alan Gregory as he tries to juggle personal and professional responsibilities, failing miserably at times.
After Randy misses one of his sessions Dr. Gregory pursues trying to track him down, only to learn that the young man has disappeared with no trace. Randy soon reaches out, unsure what happened or where he has been. This fugue state is highly troubling and Alan makes sure to have his patient committed, if only for Randy’s own safety.With a blizzard raging in Boulder, Dr. Alan Gregory will have to work to connect the dots with these grand jury deaths and ensure those in positions of authority get what they need before more die. It will be anything but certain as nothing is clear in in the human mind. A gripping thriller that proves White has all the elements for success.
I remember discovering this series years ago, devouring many of the books in short order. When I chose to return, I decided that I would try a complete series binge, getting the full Alan Gregory experience. Stephen White uses many of his personal experiences as a clinical psychologist to pull on ideas and character aspects, which becomes apparent in this early novel.
White creates a narrative approach that can be clear and yet meandering. The reader learns more about the life of a therapist and his varied cases, as well as how life and work can sometimes connect quite significantly. Dr. Alan Gregory has a busy life, with many choices to make and little time to make them. As the narrative sets its foundation, the story forks in many directions, gaining momentum towards solutions and some harrowing cliffhangers, forcing the reader to pay close attention to understand the ever-heightened drama. Strong characters continue to add depth with their presence, while others turn from minor to significant secondary roles with ease and leave me eager to see how things will grow and prove important. There is so much going on in each novel, White does not leave the reader any time to catch their breath before diving in new directions.
Plot points fuel this story and keep things on edge, which White does quite effectively. The psychology approach is not one with which I am used to reading, though White makes it easy to digest, provided I take the time to absorb the story. The twists and dangling threads will prove great as I binge this series over the next while, adding spice to al ready exiting collection. There is much to comprehend and White does not slow at any point, forcing me to take a great deal of effort to see how things will progress. As it has been a number of years since i read these novels, there will be more surprises than predictable moments, as I have only vague recollection about the series and the life Dr. Alan Gregory has built for himself. Another book awaits, so I am headed there to fill my mind with new adventures.
Kudos Mr. White, for another great thriller.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Dr. Alan Gregory is a reputable clinical psychologist, whose practice is quaint, but also quite useful to the citizens of Boulder, Colorado. When a scuffle inside his partner’s office leads to gunshots, Alan cannot help but wonder if Diane has been hurt, or worse. It turns out that the husband of Diane’s client discovered her intention to divorce and thought he could solve things on his own. With one dead and another significantly injured, the police arrive to investigate, headed up by Detective Sam Purdy. Things seem clear-cut, at least for the time being.
As things settle a little, Alan focusses on his own client, Randy, a teenage boy whose entire family died in a plane crash. Fragile and yet determined to move on, Randy works with Dr. Gregory to better understand himself, which will take some time, while trying to adapt to life with his aunt and uncle, his guardians for the time being. Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, Alan takes on a side job as a consultant with the Boulder County Coroner’s Office, looking into manner of death for some of those who are found. He works more with Detective Sam Purdy, creating a strong professional relationship as they explore a man found in a house full of gas fumes. Might this have been an odd suicide?
News of an empaneled grand jury in Boulder makes its way to Alan through a therapy session. Two of its purported members have died mysteriously. Alan has to wonder if there is someone trying to kill those who have been brought together to render a decision of some magnitude. His idea sticks and many begin to explore the possibility a little more, including Detective Purdy. This is a distraction for Alan, who is trying to strengthen his relationship with his current love interest, Deputy District Attorney Lauren Crowder, still suffering with her MS. Alan’s soon-to-be ex-wife, returns with news that could blow everything wide open. There’s never a dull moment for Dr. Alan Gregory as he tries to juggle personal and professional responsibilities, failing miserably at times.
After Randy misses one of his sessions Dr. Gregory pursues trying to track him down, only to learn that the young man has disappeared with no trace. Randy soon reaches out, unsure what happened or where he has been. This fugue state is highly troubling and Alan makes sure to have his patient committed, if only for Randy’s own safety.With a blizzard raging in Boulder, Dr. Alan Gregory will have to work to connect the dots with these grand jury deaths and ensure those in positions of authority get what they need before more die. It will be anything but certain as nothing is clear in in the human mind. A gripping thriller that proves White has all the elements for success.
I remember discovering this series years ago, devouring many of the books in short order. When I chose to return, I decided that I would try a complete series binge, getting the full Alan Gregory experience. Stephen White uses many of his personal experiences as a clinical psychologist to pull on ideas and character aspects, which becomes apparent in this early novel.
White creates a narrative approach that can be clear and yet meandering. The reader learns more about the life of a therapist and his varied cases, as well as how life and work can sometimes connect quite significantly. Dr. Alan Gregory has a busy life, with many choices to make and little time to make them. As the narrative sets its foundation, the story forks in many directions, gaining momentum towards solutions and some harrowing cliffhangers, forcing the reader to pay close attention to understand the ever-heightened drama. Strong characters continue to add depth with their presence, while others turn from minor to significant secondary roles with ease and leave me eager to see how things will grow and prove important. There is so much going on in each novel, White does not leave the reader any time to catch their breath before diving in new directions.
Plot points fuel this story and keep things on edge, which White does quite effectively. The psychology approach is not one with which I am used to reading, though White makes it easy to digest, provided I take the time to absorb the story. The twists and dangling threads will prove great as I binge this series over the next while, adding spice to al ready exiting collection. There is much to comprehend and White does not slow at any point, forcing me to take a great deal of effort to see how things will progress. As it has been a number of years since i read these novels, there will be more surprises than predictable moments, as I have only vague recollection about the series and the life Dr. Alan Gregory has built for himself. Another book awaits, so I am headed there to fill my mind with new adventures.
Kudos Mr. White, for another great thriller.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
July 21, 2011
I read this Stephen White mystery because reviews for the latest book in this series, The Last Lie, were so enticing. I started with this, the second in the series starring Dr Alan Gregory, because the library didn’t have the first. I’m about to remedy that by buying a copy and giving it to the library. Stephen White is a skilled mystery writer and I’m hooked.
Here’s what his web site http://www.authorstephenwhite.com/Boo... says about Private Practices:
Why have two witnesses scheduled to appear before a local grand jury died violently just prior to giving their testimony? That's what Detective Sam Purdy, thrust into an uneasy partnership with Dr. Gregory, wants to know. From the first pages of the novel, when Gregory's office is invaded by a homicidal husband seeking revenge on his wife for her decision to divorce him, until Private Practices powerful climax, Purdy and Gregory strive to make sense of the pieces of an increasingly complex puzzle. In these Rocky Mountains, nothing is quite as it seems.
A pivotal character is one of Dr. Gregory's patients, seventeen-year-old Randy Navens. He has been in psychotherapy since he survived a plane crash that claimed the lives of his parents and his sister. Now he is living with his aunt and uncle, and is haunted by nightmares and suicidal impulses. The unique course of his treatment takes Alan Gregory on a quest that soon ensnarls both doctor and patient in a dangerous web that threatens both their lives.
2011 No 113
Here’s what his web site http://www.authorstephenwhite.com/Boo... says about Private Practices:
Why have two witnesses scheduled to appear before a local grand jury died violently just prior to giving their testimony? That's what Detective Sam Purdy, thrust into an uneasy partnership with Dr. Gregory, wants to know. From the first pages of the novel, when Gregory's office is invaded by a homicidal husband seeking revenge on his wife for her decision to divorce him, until Private Practices powerful climax, Purdy and Gregory strive to make sense of the pieces of an increasingly complex puzzle. In these Rocky Mountains, nothing is quite as it seems.
A pivotal character is one of Dr. Gregory's patients, seventeen-year-old Randy Navens. He has been in psychotherapy since he survived a plane crash that claimed the lives of his parents and his sister. Now he is living with his aunt and uncle, and is haunted by nightmares and suicidal impulses. The unique course of his treatment takes Alan Gregory on a quest that soon ensnarls both doctor and patient in a dangerous web that threatens both their lives.
2011 No 113
March 13, 2010
This is my first Stephen White novel. I would have been more impressed if I hadn't already read most of Jonathan Kellerman's work. As with Kellerman, White is also a psychologist who has a policeman friend, who is hired by the Boulder Coroner as a consultant, etc., etc.
The biggest difference is that there is more humor and action in White's offering and better plotting, character development and depth in Kellerman's books. I didn't see any acknowledgment of Kellerman's influence anywhere but the similarities are very hard to miss.
This story has Dr. Alan Gregory, the series protagonist, stumbling all over a series of seemingly unrelated murders that turn out to be connected. Unraveling the puzzle, while dealing with his pregnant ex-wife, Meredith, and his new love, Lauren, an assistant D.A., provides the reader with a fast-moving story.
All is wrapped up at the end in a satisfying manner. I enjoyed the story, though, my seeing Kellerman's influence all over the place diminished my pleasure.
The biggest difference is that there is more humor and action in White's offering and better plotting, character development and depth in Kellerman's books. I didn't see any acknowledgment of Kellerman's influence anywhere but the similarities are very hard to miss.
This story has Dr. Alan Gregory, the series protagonist, stumbling all over a series of seemingly unrelated murders that turn out to be connected. Unraveling the puzzle, while dealing with his pregnant ex-wife, Meredith, and his new love, Lauren, an assistant D.A., provides the reader with a fast-moving story.
All is wrapped up at the end in a satisfying manner. I enjoyed the story, though, my seeing Kellerman's influence all over the place diminished my pleasure.
November 5, 2009
This book started off great. Great character development, subtle humor, nice details etc, however the plot was never very clear to me and with about 100 pages left to read, I put it aside not understanding what was going on or where the story was going.
The author seems more concerned with describing the Colorado country side, Dr Gregory shaving his legs, and dragging on about Gregory's inability to decide which woman to have a permantent relationship with (where this inability to decide fits into the story I have no idea) than he does developing and sticking to a cohesive plot..........Perhaps had I stuck it out to its conclusion I'd have found out. Then again, there's only so much time to read and so many good books.
The author seems more concerned with describing the Colorado country side, Dr Gregory shaving his legs, and dragging on about Gregory's inability to decide which woman to have a permantent relationship with (where this inability to decide fits into the story I have no idea) than he does developing and sticking to a cohesive plot..........Perhaps had I stuck it out to its conclusion I'd have found out. Then again, there's only so much time to read and so many good books.
March 12, 2023
My First “Visit” To A Dr. Alan Gregory Book…And My Last!
Without getting into an overview of the plot of Private Practices featuring psychologist Dr. Alan Gregory, I’ll just say that I found it quite slow-moving yet interesting enough for about the first half of the book; expecting that the pace and suspense would improve a lot in the second half. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met until toward the last quarter of the book, and that resulted in too little, too late. On top of the book’s slow pace, I found the author’s plot to be too convoluted and confusing, at times disjointed, and his large cast of characters -including the main character - to not being particularly interesting and too difficult to keep track of. This caused me to not care much about what happens to any of them. I know White’s Dr. Alan Gregory series has a large fan/“patient” base —but I want be making a second “visit”
Without getting into an overview of the plot of Private Practices featuring psychologist Dr. Alan Gregory, I’ll just say that I found it quite slow-moving yet interesting enough for about the first half of the book; expecting that the pace and suspense would improve a lot in the second half. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met until toward the last quarter of the book, and that resulted in too little, too late. On top of the book’s slow pace, I found the author’s plot to be too convoluted and confusing, at times disjointed, and his large cast of characters -including the main character - to not being particularly interesting and too difficult to keep track of. This caused me to not care much about what happens to any of them. I know White’s Dr. Alan Gregory series has a large fan/“patient” base —but I want be making a second “visit”
July 30, 2015
The 2nd book in psychologist Alan Gregory series by Stephen White.
Better than a 3 rating but not quite a 4.
I intend to read more of this series and hopefully the characters will continue to develop in what could be a very good series of books.
There is plenty going on in the Alan Gregory's life which adds interest to the main plot.
Better than a 3 rating but not quite a 4.
I intend to read more of this series and hopefully the characters will continue to develop in what could be a very good series of books.
There is plenty going on in the Alan Gregory's life which adds interest to the main plot.
January 1, 2018
Alan is having to deal with his almost ex and his girlfriend as well as several patients in crisis
October 21, 2012
This Stephen White has all one could want in a detective mystery. Alan Gregory is a psychologist in Boulder, Colorado. Highly ethical but more so inquisitive and analytical. In a short span of time he has a client murdered by a abusive husband, another blown up in a home explosion, another shot to death. At this time Alan is trying to put his practice back together due to fictitious accusations which caused him to lose most of his clientele, so he takes on a part time job as assistant to the county coroner. So he ends up solving many cases, and indirectly becomes involves in working with the police to solve this crime wave. The plot is amazing, this takes the reader through a gamut of emotions, a few laughs, and some intense reading.
August 18, 2023
This started out fine but once the initial suspenseful hostage scene was over, the book kinda began to lose the plot. With lots of time spent on Alan's personal life that revolved around his lover, Lauren, and soon-to-be-ex wife Meredith, his leg-shaving (because his bicycling friends do it) I', too, began to struggle to find a cohesive plot. After 50% I began to tire, expecting a murder mystery but getting nothing of the kind so far.
I've tried this series more than twice but gave up each time, for the same lack-of-plot-focus reason. Perhaps i should try a later installment with the hope that author hits his stride after a few books. There are 20 books so people must be buying them...
Anyway, 2 stars for the 50% I listened to.
I've tried this series more than twice but gave up each time, for the same lack-of-plot-focus reason. Perhaps i should try a later installment with the hope that author hits his stride after a few books. There are 20 books so people must be buying them...
Anyway, 2 stars for the 50% I listened to.
May 20, 2015
A nice page turner. Although I enjoyed this book, there are many mystery novels more interesting and well written. I don't recommend it, there is just nothing really different or unique about this book.
November 26, 2008
Totally fun - Stephen White does murder mysteries set in Boulder!
June 5, 2018
Author Stephen White's second Alan Gregory suspense thriller, "Private Practices", originally published in 1993 holds up well with the test of time. Dr. Gregory finds himself in several very complicated situations with no easy way to resolve his many issues. After a wild incident in partner Diane Estevez's office results in a horrible shooting a very conflicted Gregory is at a loss for answers. Along with trusty sidekick Detective Sam Purdy and the doctor have several mysteries to unravel. Meanwhile ex-wife Merideth has returned to Colorado and in pursuit of Alan. Merideth in the worst way wants Alan back. However Alan is in love with ADA Lauren Crowder. To add to Gregory's distress it seems Merideth is now pregnant and the baby could be Alan's. As Lauren battles her MS her condition seems to be getting worse. Lauren heads to NYC to get some experimental treatment. Coming in at over 420 pages this one was a long read. Although fast paced and entertaining it was a bit of a haul to get through this one. There so many moving sub plots that wind together but also split apart. Protagonist Dr. Alan Gregory is a compelling character he needs the support cast of this novel to step it up. A very enjoyable, I've got to hunt down some continuing outings in this series. Four stars out of a possible five stars for author Stephen White's, "Private Practices". The first two books in this series take place in 1991-93, and I see there are about 19 total books in series through 2010. A pretty good read. Check it out. A very interesting series.
June 6, 2020
This one continues Alan Gregory's life from book #1, but you don't necessarily have to read them in order. The book had me on the edge of my seat, figuratively, most of the read. It is a well thought out and intricate tale about what theoretically can happen when psychotherapy is performed in a social circle of friends, and it illustrates why therapists are ethically not supposed to treat friends at all. The story has bits and pieces that seem far fetched but, all in all, it makes for a pretty good read.
January 19, 2018
I initially started this series in 2000 and loved it. My feeling haven’t changed. Dr Alan Gregory is smart, savvy and actually really funny.
The Alan Gregory series is similar to the Alex Delaware novels. But can stand in their own merit
The Alan Gregory series is similar to the Alex Delaware novels. But can stand in their own merit
December 22, 2020
I am rereading all of these Alan Gregory mysteries and had thought I'd figured out author Stephen White's pacing --slowly weaving all the threads and connections while the tension builds until they all come together in a fast-paced action thriller scene at the end. In this second book, the story actually starts explosively and then continues with burglaries, explosions, murders, and assaults sprinkled among the fact gathering. In Stephen White's first novel, we learned about the restrictions of client privilege and keeping clinical information private. This novel focuses on the clinical principle of "dual relationships." As Gregory tells a woman wanting him to be her therapist, "We know each other already. That precludes a psychotherapy relationship." This ethical rule is examined and discussed through the book, and, along with client privilege, causes stumbling blocks and story conflict--sometimes aiding the bad guys in their nefarious actions. The character development of Alan Gregory and his relationships with his separated wife and his new girlfriend with her MS problems continues to deepen. And the secondary characters all continue to develop as well and become more real and interesting. Stephen White also challenges my vocabulary skills. Besides medical terminology like enuresis and hypnogogic, which I would not expect to know, he uses other words that have me checking the dictionary: splenetic, dissilient, exequies, post-pubertal. He doesn't use these high-falutin' words so much that it spoils the reading enjoyment; just enough to make us believe that we are reading about intelligent, thoughtful people. I'm intrigued by the vocabulary lessons, but I doubt I'll find reasons to use these words in my normal conversations.
July 23, 2016
Started June 3, 2014. Like it so far. Grabbing lead in- a guy interrupts main character's supervision session to break into his colleague's office and kill the client there. But was it simply a batterer hunting down his wife who had left him? Other grand jurists are dying too. Main guy also having issues with his ex, and is currently in a relationship with the DA. I like the personal relationship details. He writes like a woman, analyzing all relationships and interactions.
Read the climax last night, some of it I figured, some I had not. Needed to list the characters and their relations, it got pretty complex. Several Amazon reviewers said the same thing. But I really liked it, will read the next one.
Read the climax last night, some of it I figured, some I had not. Needed to list the characters and their relations, it got pretty complex. Several Amazon reviewers said the same thing. But I really liked it, will read the next one.
February 19, 2015
A tape I randomly picked for my commute. At the time I didn't realize that I had read #4 Harm's Way (1996) in 1997 and had not followed up on the series. This time around, I was encouraged to read #1 Privileged Information (1991) and then read the rest of the series, catching up at #19 Line of Fire (2012) and then the pre-planned series finale #20 Compound Fractures (2013).
Alan Gregory - recorded - Boulder, CO psychologist is enlisted by police sergeant Sam Purdy to help investigate a string of murders that seem related to his practice. His office is burglarized and his partner attacked. Estranged wife Meredith wants to delay their divorce decree and tells Alan she is pregnant with a child that might be his. Current lover Lauren seeks commitment.
Alan Gregory - recorded - Boulder, CO psychologist is enlisted by police sergeant Sam Purdy to help investigate a string of murders that seem related to his practice. His office is burglarized and his partner attacked. Estranged wife Meredith wants to delay their divorce decree and tells Alan she is pregnant with a child that might be his. Current lover Lauren seeks commitment.
March 28, 2015
Enjoying read, very realistic.
I learn many new things about psychology. The knowledge blends well with suspense and drama. You will keep guessing who is the real villain. However, . Apart from the main mystery, there are also very strong subplots about Alan's love life and something relating to "lace".
About his soon to be ex-wife,
I learn many new things about psychology. The knowledge blends well with suspense and drama. You will keep guessing who is the real villain. However, . Apart from the main mystery, there are also very strong subplots about Alan's love life and something relating to "lace".
About his soon to be ex-wife,
September 17, 2015
I got an old audiobook version of this book and compared to 'modern' standards it did sound old, and the voice of Sam Purdy was cringingly awful.
That aside, I'm sure this could have been a good book but I personally found the story to be far too complex and convoluted. Apparently White thought so too as he explained the connections, which I couldn't be bothered to follow after a certain point, on several occasions to outline what is supposed to have happened.
There were some nice scenes, and a bit of action, but it was too difficult to keep up with the characters and twists for my liking.
That aside, I'm sure this could have been a good book but I personally found the story to be far too complex and convoluted. Apparently White thought so too as he explained the connections, which I couldn't be bothered to follow after a certain point, on several occasions to outline what is supposed to have happened.
There were some nice scenes, and a bit of action, but it was too difficult to keep up with the characters and twists for my liking.
May 8, 2017
this is quite a dynamic novel with a slew of irritating characters, all of them think they are god given and all are arrogant and loud as they can be. the plot isn't even that far fetched but it has so many loops and digressions and players involved that you might get a bit lost in all the developments from time to time.
it's not a bad book, I was not bored reading it and I didn't hate the characters enough to say I wouldn't follow up, specially being glad I learned a bit on psychology and psychtherapy, the subjects that genuinely interest me. not a bad book to read if you have time although there certainly are many better ones out there.
3.5/5
it's not a bad book, I was not bored reading it and I didn't hate the characters enough to say I wouldn't follow up, specially being glad I learned a bit on psychology and psychtherapy, the subjects that genuinely interest me. not a bad book to read if you have time although there certainly are many better ones out there.
3.5/5
August 1, 2014
This is the second of White's Alan Gregory series. Murder and foul play surround alan and his partner, Diane. Residents of a small, closed Mountain community of Mirabelle are entwined in various ways. Gregory's almost ex-wife returns to complicate his relationship with Assistant D.A. Lauren Crowder. I enjoy White's humor and writing style. I like the recurring characters, the recurring psychological themes not so much.
April 8, 2018
An overly complex story that'll make you need a cheat sheet to keep up with all the characters and storylines. Finished the book and I'm still not sure I actually know what happened. Also, as other reviewers have stated, way too much time debating between the new girl and the soon to be ex-wife, neither of which does the book really make us want to root for so we're left just wanting him to hurry up and pick so we don't have to hear about it anymore.
November 26, 2018
The second book in the Alan Gregory series by Stephen White. Alan Gregory is a psychologist who is often dealing with ethical dilemmas from his patients and former patients. An entertaining and suspenseful mystery series.
November 13, 2014
I enjoy this series very much. The books are difficult to find on Kindle or at the library, so I actually ordered used paperback copies of the next three in this series.
July 18, 2020
It was his second Alan Gregory novel, published in 1992. So you get to recall what it was like when cell phones were new, the advent of tech. I like that his psychologist characters are not snobs and work with social workers, other interdisciplinary teams, the PD. The character, Alan is very much a white guy, youngish psychologist in private practice mostly working with the worried well in Colorado.
I liked the dilemmas of ex-wife who pops back in and current girl friend with MS, neighbors who have their own stuff going on. And because I've read other of White's books out of sequence--this was seemed like he was packing too much into it. There are numerous character plots within the main story. Around page 350, I thought, am I devoting too much time to this? It took another 65 pages or so to lay everything out.
It wasn't overly violent or sex-infused. It's a mystery written with humor and good characterization. The characters are, for the most part, nice enough white people. It wasn't my favorite. I'd just read a Ridley Pearson and was thinking this was like a Bud-lite compared to an all week party full of heavy duty drugs and psychedelics. Nothing wrong with Bud-lite.
I liked the dilemmas of ex-wife who pops back in and current girl friend with MS, neighbors who have their own stuff going on. And because I've read other of White's books out of sequence--this was seemed like he was packing too much into it. There are numerous character plots within the main story. Around page 350, I thought, am I devoting too much time to this? It took another 65 pages or so to lay everything out.
It wasn't overly violent or sex-infused. It's a mystery written with humor and good characterization. The characters are, for the most part, nice enough white people. It wasn't my favorite. I'd just read a Ridley Pearson and was thinking this was like a Bud-lite compared to an all week party full of heavy duty drugs and psychedelics. Nothing wrong with Bud-lite.
May 31, 2021
I was a Psychology major and am still very fascinated by the subject, so I can definitely get into the psychology themes. Knocked a star off for an overly complicated plot line: an ever-growing cast of characters that ends up taking so many pages to explain how they were all involved/implicated that it leaves me with two conclusions: 1) even the author eventually realized how complicated it had become and knew he had to do a good deal of explaining at the end to make it make sense for the reader, or have to rewrite the preceding 375 pages; and 2) it's still confusing and even though I only finished it an hour ago I'd probably still struggle to explain everyone's part. There's a domestic dispute turned homicide and attempted homicide, a plane crash, multiple burglaries (one with a physical attack on a main character), a house explosion, another murder, an attempted murder, financial shenanigans regarding investment in a restaurant, sexual affairs, sexual abuse of patients, yet another murder (of one of the "bad guys" whose roles in this web is more complicated and hard to understand than anyone else's), a poorly played out hostage situation, and child sexual abuse literally thrown in at the end.
Knocked another star off because the main characters seem to be intentionally obtuse. They spend so much time being judgmental know-it-alls about everyone else that they miss, like, everything actually important. Merideth is borderline narcissistic (everything her way, doesn't want Alan until it seems he doesn't want her, argues in the divorce about a rug she apparently desperately wants from their house yet has managed to live a year and a half without, trying to manipulate Alan into reconciling with a pregnancy, which may or may not be his, which may or may not be real for all we know - he says at one point her breasts were fuller but every other physical description of her emphasizes her flat stomach, and overall no one ever mentions any other early-pregnancy symptoms such as moodiness (like Adrienne is described as having), morning sickness, etc. Basically she says she's pregnant and her boobs are bigger so everyone takes her word for it.) And these two psychologists can't see that Alan's love for her is and probably always has mirrored the love a person has for their narcissistic partner: they spend most of their time wanting more from them, knowing they give way more than they get emotionally, and so just live for the moments when they are "rewarded" for their one-sided love and devotion. And instead of realizing that his relationship with Merideth created emotional baggage that makes it difficult for Alan to trust women like Lauren who supposedly want and love him but become emotionally distant at the drop of a hat, they just say Alan has intimacy issues - as in, he thinks he wants intimacy but really he doesn't???
Ultimately the mix of "judgy" and obtuse make Alan annoying. He had a head cold and was miserable. After a description of how he felt in EVERY sentence throughout that entire chapter...WE GET IT. If you're so sick, stay home instead of being a martyr. After at least 150 (I'm estimating) references to Sam's diet/appetite...WE GET IT. You're a health nut and he's not. I know from a later book that Sam has a heart attack and ends up changing his diet, so this may be a setup for that to happen later, but the references are so constant and condescending it just makes Alan sound like a pretentious jerk who can't help being disgusted in Sam'sdining presence. The "wizardry" of an alarm system is so complex that a PhD needs a 30 minute explanation of how to put in a code to disarm it, and being so stubborn about having to overcome this Everest of an obstacle outweighs the fact that a gunman came in and held a gun to his cheek, shot 2 people (almost 3), and then their office was burglarized? This is the equivalent of today's memes about grandmothers having to ask their grandkids how to work the tv remote but complaining about everything that's on tv anyway. Sam has to tell him how Russ London was involved, instead of Alan putting two-and-two together with the references to 1981 in both London's and Tobias's files. Alan actually seriously considers that Paul Weinman might have been the therapist abusing Marilyn London, despite the fact that both times Marilyn talks to him about the abuse, she talks about the abuse and the later threat from her therapist in the present tense despite the fact that Paul's death occurred before the events in the book even began. After Alan learns that Larry Templeton had anosmia, the next time he sees Rita he says something like "he probably didn't like your baking" and she's in utter shock with "how did you know that" and they both completely forget that SHE TOLD HIM THAT when she served her muffins to Alan and Randy. Maybe that was just White forgetting he had written that and not another example of Alan overlooking the obvious so he can "ingeniously" come to the same conclusion through a more complicated series of steps later.
I also don't understand the rules of confidentiality and crimes. Alan knew that Marilyn's therapist was sexually abusing her and threatened her if she were to expose him, and then she is murdered. If there are rules of confidentiality barring a therapist helping with a murder investigation in which his client was the victim and knows there is someone with a clear motive, White should have explained it better rather than leaving Alan to feeling like he had to protect that information no matter what. I mean, his client was MURDERED and the way he acts about it as if keeping her "secrets" about an evil therapist with a clear motive were more important than catching said therapist and likely murderer.
I KNOW I really loved these books when I first read them 10+ years ago so I'm going to keep trucking on and hope that Alan gets a little less pedantic and a little more self-aware.
Knocked another star off because the main characters seem to be intentionally obtuse. They spend so much time being judgmental know-it-alls about everyone else that they miss, like, everything actually important. Merideth is borderline narcissistic (everything her way, doesn't want Alan until it seems he doesn't want her, argues in the divorce about a rug she apparently desperately wants from their house yet has managed to live a year and a half without, trying to manipulate Alan into reconciling with a pregnancy, which may or may not be his, which may or may not be real for all we know - he says at one point her breasts were fuller but every other physical description of her emphasizes her flat stomach, and overall no one ever mentions any other early-pregnancy symptoms such as moodiness (like Adrienne is described as having), morning sickness, etc. Basically she says she's pregnant and her boobs are bigger so everyone takes her word for it.) And these two psychologists can't see that Alan's love for her is and probably always has mirrored the love a person has for their narcissistic partner: they spend most of their time wanting more from them, knowing they give way more than they get emotionally, and so just live for the moments when they are "rewarded" for their one-sided love and devotion. And instead of realizing that his relationship with Merideth created emotional baggage that makes it difficult for Alan to trust women like Lauren who supposedly want and love him but become emotionally distant at the drop of a hat, they just say Alan has intimacy issues - as in, he thinks he wants intimacy but really he doesn't???
Ultimately the mix of "judgy" and obtuse make Alan annoying. He had a head cold and was miserable. After a description of how he felt in EVERY sentence throughout that entire chapter...WE GET IT. If you're so sick, stay home instead of being a martyr. After at least 150 (I'm estimating) references to Sam's diet/appetite...WE GET IT. You're a health nut and he's not. I know from a later book that Sam has a heart attack and ends up changing his diet, so this may be a setup for that to happen later, but the references are so constant and condescending it just makes Alan sound like a pretentious jerk who can't help being disgusted in Sam'sdining presence. The "wizardry" of an alarm system is so complex that a PhD needs a 30 minute explanation of how to put in a code to disarm it, and being so stubborn about having to overcome this Everest of an obstacle outweighs the fact that a gunman came in and held a gun to his cheek, shot 2 people (almost 3), and then their office was burglarized? This is the equivalent of today's memes about grandmothers having to ask their grandkids how to work the tv remote but complaining about everything that's on tv anyway. Sam has to tell him how Russ London was involved, instead of Alan putting two-and-two together with the references to 1981 in both London's and Tobias's files. Alan actually seriously considers that Paul Weinman might have been the therapist abusing Marilyn London, despite the fact that both times Marilyn talks to him about the abuse, she talks about the abuse and the later threat from her therapist in the present tense despite the fact that Paul's death occurred before the events in the book even began. After Alan learns that Larry Templeton had anosmia, the next time he sees Rita he says something like "he probably didn't like your baking" and she's in utter shock with "how did you know that" and they both completely forget that SHE TOLD HIM THAT when she served her muffins to Alan and Randy. Maybe that was just White forgetting he had written that and not another example of Alan overlooking the obvious so he can "ingeniously" come to the same conclusion through a more complicated series of steps later.
I also don't understand the rules of confidentiality and crimes. Alan knew that Marilyn's therapist was sexually abusing her and threatened her if she were to expose him, and then she is murdered. If there are rules of confidentiality barring a therapist helping with a murder investigation in which his client was the victim and knows there is someone with a clear motive, White should have explained it better rather than leaving Alan to feeling like he had to protect that information no matter what. I mean, his client was MURDERED and the way he acts about it as if keeping her "secrets" about an evil therapist with a clear motive were more important than catching said therapist and likely murderer.
I KNOW I really loved these books when I first read them 10+ years ago so I'm going to keep trucking on and hope that Alan gets a little less pedantic and a little more self-aware.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2021
After reading his latest book - Warning Signs - and loving it, I was thrilled to learn that it was his 10th book and I had 9 others just waiting for me! I thought that Private Practices was the first one but it turned out to be #2. No matter, it was great. Boulder psychologist Alan Gregory seems to be attracting crime, his offices are broken into, a patient of his partners is shot and killed, one of his own patients is suicidal with a gun and now someone is after Alan himself. What makes White's work such a good read is the way he deals with all of his characters and their surroundings. They are so real and so interesting. I love that I still have 8 more to go.
January 24, 2019
I'm thoroughly enjoying this series of books. I've always been a bit fascinated by the WHY of the who donits.
Story line and intrigue grabbed me from the get go on this one and all the clues and missteps along the way just continued to build up to finially finding out the who what when why and where. The interwoven connections between all the events were a puzzle that took a bit of time to put together.
I did feel that a few of the characters and the romance seemed a bit to "wooden" for me - but the action and mystery definitely made up for it in the end.
Story line and intrigue grabbed me from the get go on this one and all the clues and missteps along the way just continued to build up to finially finding out the who what when why and where. The interwoven connections between all the events were a puzzle that took a bit of time to put together.
I did feel that a few of the characters and the romance seemed a bit to "wooden" for me - but the action and mystery definitely made up for it in the end.
February 18, 2018
I've got half a shelf of Stephen White books. I read the first one but it was some years back. After reading this one I know why it's been so long. It's a good enough story, an ok mystery, but it's really, really dull. I think I might just see what my book seller will give me in trade for the rest of them. (I need the shelf space.)
May 18, 2024
I have enjoyed every book by Stephen White that I have read.
This particular book has a lot of twists and turns which keep you in your toes when you read.
Like his other books there is intrigue and suspense. It also deals with marital situations that need to be resolved.
It’s worth you while to get a copy of Private Practices, it’s well worth reading!👍
This particular book has a lot of twists and turns which keep you in your toes when you read.
Like his other books there is intrigue and suspense. It also deals with marital situations that need to be resolved.
It’s worth you while to get a copy of Private Practices, it’s well worth reading!👍
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