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Alan Gregory #6
Critical Conditions
From New York Times bestselling author Stephen White comes the sixth suspense thriller featuring psychologist Dr. Alan Gregory.Summoned to the hospital to learn the motives behind a teenage girl's suicide attempt, Alan discovers that the girl's young stepsister lies near death in another hospital with a heart disease. Denied an experimental new treatment that could save her life by her parent's managed-care provider, the stepsister has become a symbol of a health care system more concerned with costs than with the lives of its patients. And when a wealthy executive of the family's HMO is found dead, Alan and Denver detective Sam Purdy uncover the truth that links the teenage girl to his death, and the truth behind a family willing to kill in the name of love...and revenge.
398 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1998
39 people are currently reading
829 people want to read
About the author
Stephen White
313 books572 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 130 reviews
June 7, 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 keeps things tense in this sixth novel, tapping into Dr. Alan Gregory’s keen therapeutic abilities, especially with a young patient. When Dr. Gregory arrives at the hospital to help a teenage girl who’s attempted suicide, he soon learns that there are other issues within the family. After bloodied clothes turn up during a search of the teenager’s bedroom, questions stymie all involved, including Detective Sam Purdy of the Boulder PD. The discovery of a body in a large house helps put things in focus, though Alan remains blurred as to whether his newest patient could hold a secret that might change her life forever. A chilling tale that has White showing his abilities with every page turn.
When Dr. Alan Gregory receives a call to consult on a recently admitted teenage girl, he discovers that she is refusing to speak to anyone. What could have led her to prefer death and how will he extract what he needs to help her? Things get more problematic when Alan learns that the girl’s younger step-sister is in the same hospital, dying of heart disease. The family is torn and has little reprieve from the emotional rollercoaster, but there has to be more to the story that has yet to be revealed.
Young Janie was set to receive an experimental treatment, though the insurance company denied it, citing costs. While Janie is the picture of the struggle between costs and patient care, no one is quite sure what to do next. After the body of the family’s HMO director is discovered, pieces begin to fall into place. Bloodied clothes under the teen’s bed help point to her guilt, though she is not known for being violent. Dr. Alan Gregory will have to work his ways to coax out the truth from her, while Detective Sam Purdy tries to investigate the murder, using his personal connection to the family as an impetus to getting answers.
With Dr. Gregory working to get the truth, he must also juggle trying to keep in touch with his wife, Lauren, who is away handling a family issue. Alan soon discovers that his patient has quite story to share, though is not ready to alert the authorities. Alan struggles with this, knowing that therapist-patient privilege is sacrosanct. While there is motive, the patient expresses she not guilty of anything. However, it is what she has seen that holds the key to the truth. All this, while a little girl lays dying in the hospital. White delivers a chilling story that has all the elements for success in this series.
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 uses a strong narrative style that is flavoured with some meandering throughout the story. This technique keeps the reader focussed and leaves them to synthesise what is most important. Tensions builds around varied plot lines: the medical situation for a young girl in the ICU and her teenaged step-sister who might have committed murder. The therapeutic approach to the story provides both guidance and analysis of the plot, which complements the narrative as things progress to a climax. Dr. Alan Gregory is central to this piece, utilising the support of strong secondary characters, which has been the key strength of the series to date. Readers also see a more vulnerable Detective Sam Purdy in this story, a refreshing change. I am eager to see how these characters will progress and what awaits them all in the novels to come.
Plot points keep the reader surprised and trying to predict what awaits them. White does well not to reveal too much, but also leaves breadcrumbs for the reader’s to follow as the tension mounts. Juggling many storylines, the reader is forced to make connections until all is presented and the truths surface, never caring what damage they may do to theose who are playing central roles. Stephen White knows how to spin a story and keeps the reader at the centre of all the action. I am eager to see what’s to come and how Dr. Alan Gregory will serve as guide for all.
Kudos Mr. White, for another gripping story into the world of clinical psychology.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
When Dr. Alan Gregory receives a call to consult on a recently admitted teenage girl, he discovers that she is refusing to speak to anyone. What could have led her to prefer death and how will he extract what he needs to help her? Things get more problematic when Alan learns that the girl’s younger step-sister is in the same hospital, dying of heart disease. The family is torn and has little reprieve from the emotional rollercoaster, but there has to be more to the story that has yet to be revealed.
Young Janie was set to receive an experimental treatment, though the insurance company denied it, citing costs. While Janie is the picture of the struggle between costs and patient care, no one is quite sure what to do next. After the body of the family’s HMO director is discovered, pieces begin to fall into place. Bloodied clothes under the teen’s bed help point to her guilt, though she is not known for being violent. Dr. Alan Gregory will have to work his ways to coax out the truth from her, while Detective Sam Purdy tries to investigate the murder, using his personal connection to the family as an impetus to getting answers.
With Dr. Gregory working to get the truth, he must also juggle trying to keep in touch with his wife, Lauren, who is away handling a family issue. Alan soon discovers that his patient has quite story to share, though is not ready to alert the authorities. Alan struggles with this, knowing that therapist-patient privilege is sacrosanct. While there is motive, the patient expresses she not guilty of anything. However, it is what she has seen that holds the key to the truth. All this, while a little girl lays dying in the hospital. White delivers a chilling story that has all the elements for success in this series.
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 uses a strong narrative style that is flavoured with some meandering throughout the story. This technique keeps the reader focussed and leaves them to synthesise what is most important. Tensions builds around varied plot lines: the medical situation for a young girl in the ICU and her teenaged step-sister who might have committed murder. The therapeutic approach to the story provides both guidance and analysis of the plot, which complements the narrative as things progress to a climax. Dr. Alan Gregory is central to this piece, utilising the support of strong secondary characters, which has been the key strength of the series to date. Readers also see a more vulnerable Detective Sam Purdy in this story, a refreshing change. I am eager to see how these characters will progress and what awaits them all in the novels to come.
Plot points keep the reader surprised and trying to predict what awaits them. White does well not to reveal too much, but also leaves breadcrumbs for the reader’s to follow as the tension mounts. Juggling many storylines, the reader is forced to make connections until all is presented and the truths surface, never caring what damage they may do to theose who are playing central roles. Stephen White knows how to spin a story and keeps the reader at the centre of all the action. I am eager to see what’s to come and how Dr. Alan Gregory will serve as guide for all.
Kudos Mr. White, for another gripping story into the world of clinical psychology.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 27, 2016
This was the first time I had read anything by this author. I enjoyed the book. Initially, it seemed to go slow, but once things started to pick up it was better. It had a great, dark turn in the latter part of the book that kept you going until the end.
August 12, 2024
I still enjoy this series some 25+ years later. Good writing withstands time. I’m not sure why it’s taken so long to return. I first started the Alan Gregory series in the 90s. I had a baby and was working full-time so my reading stopped. Anyway, this series is crime procedural with a psychologist and detective. It’s very similar to Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series…but it’s better? Maybe. The main character’s storyline is more interesting to me. Being in a relationship with a MS warrior, Alan’s girlfriend, is another storyline and representation I appreciate. Stephen White is still one of my favorite authors. 4-4.5 ⭐️
August 18, 2015
I enjoyed the growth of these characters and issues raised. It's also sort of a safe thriller (weird huh). Very measured and controlled storytelling.
August 27, 2018
Sixth book in the Dr. Alan Gregory series. Written in 1998-99 it's somewhat dry and far too long at 397 pages. Gregory's wife D.A. Lauren Crowder doesn't appear in this novel at all. I thought the end was not well scripted. Although overall I liked the book, it gets three stars out of a possible five stars. For those reading this series this one may be one to skip over.
September 20, 2017
This is well written couldn't put it down just wanted to know what happened next
October 27, 2024
Another good Alan Gregory story -really kept my interest. So many different possible angles and I couldn't foretell most of them.
March 11, 2008
A good read but not as good with the therapist/cop duo as Johnathan Kellerman. Alan Gregory is called in to consult on a girl who is brought in to the ER having overdosed and in critical condition. The plot twists in that she is the older sister of a baby who has been in the news due to having heart problems and the managed health care company refusing to pay for what they think is experimental treatment.
It is an interesting story but was hard to me to get into and then is a bit winding and confusing and the ending was not what I would have expected - not just because he wrote it really well, but because he put in something so out of left park!
My husband and I enjoyed the references to hockey in this book.
It is an interesting story but was hard to me to get into and then is a bit winding and confusing and the ending was not what I would have expected - not just because he wrote it really well, but because he put in something so out of left park!
My husband and I enjoyed the references to hockey in this book.
April 30, 2017
The book opens with a great introduction and insight as to how Alan feels and helps others as a psychologist. The story then starts out with Alan eating lunch with his work partner Diane (self centered narcissist) and her convoluted connection to a custody case with an influential family. Alan gets sucked into another case helping a suicidal teen, that surprise surprise is connected with Diane's case and his jerk cop buddy Sam. Medical care malpractice, revenge and extortion all tie together in a toxic web. Luckily his horrible wife Lauren was away visiting her family most of the book, so I only had to deal with a few of Alan's soul crushing friends.
February 5, 2013
Fact is, this is not that exciting of a story until the end. It’s mostly trite, mundane and centered around teenage girls. The pursuit of defenseless teenage victims through Denver International is not enough to make for a riveting novel. 3 of 10 stars
January 29, 2023
This is the first book I have ready by Stephen White, which I had stumbled upon at a book store going out of business. Had I realized it was the 6th in the series (of A Dr. Alan Gregory novel), I probably would not have picked it up, as I try not to read books out of turn. However, upon doing so, I discovered early on that there was a shooting that occurred 'last fall' with Alan and his wife Lauren, who is not really in this book at all. There is very little info given about this back story, and I wasn't interested in the story itself so I would probably not go back to read the other novels.
Although the story was well written, it was apparent early on where it was headed and that MedExcel, the insurance mogul, was at the heart of this tale. I had some issues with the book in general, the first being that all of the characters (women especially) seem to be very mean to Alan - his partner Diane, his friend Adrienne, Brenda Straight (victim/suspect's mother), and his cop friend Sam. Maybe it's just the way author Stephen White writes (again, my first book of his), but none of the characters seem compassionate, often make fun of his profession, and Alan himself is rather dry and kind of a pushover.
The Denver International Airport luggage/tunnel system which became prevalent near the end of the story lost me totally and I found myself re-reading this section a few times. Lastly, two key characters in the story: Andrew, the 'victim's' brother-in-law and MedExcel bigwig Dr. Terence Gusman, rarely were mentioned until the last fifth of the story. And by then I just felt I didn't kow enough about them to care one way or another.
Overall, it was an easy read but I won't be grabbing any more books from the series.
Although the story was well written, it was apparent early on where it was headed and that MedExcel, the insurance mogul, was at the heart of this tale. I had some issues with the book in general, the first being that all of the characters (women especially) seem to be very mean to Alan - his partner Diane, his friend Adrienne, Brenda Straight (victim/suspect's mother), and his cop friend Sam. Maybe it's just the way author Stephen White writes (again, my first book of his), but none of the characters seem compassionate, often make fun of his profession, and Alan himself is rather dry and kind of a pushover.
The Denver International Airport luggage/tunnel system which became prevalent near the end of the story lost me totally and I found myself re-reading this section a few times. Lastly, two key characters in the story: Andrew, the 'victim's' brother-in-law and MedExcel bigwig Dr. Terence Gusman, rarely were mentioned until the last fifth of the story. And by then I just felt I didn't kow enough about them to care one way or another.
Overall, it was an easy read but I won't be grabbing any more books from the series.
June 15, 2021
A little convoluted with lots of moving pieces and lots of families interconnected but all in different ways, so a little hard to follow at times. However, good suspense overall.
Editing note: Chapter 36, I think it was, Lucy Tanner is called Lucy Davenport. Only time this occurs. Also in this chapter, Sam questions why the harrassment against Brenda stopped right before Chaney's illness was made public, but he and Alan had already figured out the connection there via the doctor on the insurance medical review board being behind the harassment and the decision maker on whether Chaney received the experimental treatment or not. If that hadn't happened, they and Adrienne would not have been able to turn the insurance issue around to get Chaney the help she needed (which then precipitated the guy attacking Merritt in the last few pages). Bringing it up in this chapter again as a still-missing puzzle piece almost made it seem like this chapter was written earlier than others and not re-read before publishing to make sure it still made sense in the story.
Editing note: Chapter 36, I think it was, Lucy Tanner is called Lucy Davenport. Only time this occurs. Also in this chapter, Sam questions why the harrassment against Brenda stopped right before Chaney's illness was made public, but he and Alan had already figured out the connection there via the doctor on the insurance medical review board being behind the harassment and the decision maker on whether Chaney received the experimental treatment or not. If that hadn't happened, they and Adrienne would not have been able to turn the insurance issue around to get Chaney the help she needed (which then precipitated the guy attacking Merritt in the last few pages). Bringing it up in this chapter again as a still-missing puzzle piece almost made it seem like this chapter was written earlier than others and not re-read before publishing to make sure it still made sense in the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 15, 2020Alan Gregory walks into an ICU to help determine why a young girl attempted suicide. As the story unfolds, it shows that there is way more to this 15 year old than meets the eye. For one thing, she is the daughter of an investigative reporter and a psychologist, and she has a sister who has made the national news because of the fight that is currently taking place to try to save the younger sibling's life. So, why would a 15 year old who has everything to live for throw it all away? Keeps you guessing and wondering.
April 20, 2023
I very much enjoyed this installment of the Alan Gregory series. A very intense story with some very difficult subject matter. This story had a lot of layers that kept unfolding in a way that kept me guessing. It was very unclear what the result would be and how much tragedy their would be. One thing notable was the growth in friendship between Alan and Sam Purdy I feel as though they have reached a new level of friendship and growing trust between them. Lauren was a background character for this one so I am looking forward to hopefully seeing more from her in the next book.
March 24, 2024
If you haven’t read any books by Stephen White that you need to grab one of his books. He is a Clinical Psychologist and is working on a case of 14 year old that is looking at first degree murder of a wealthy Doctor who is the owner of a managed care company that refuses to pay for an experimental medication that could save her little who on the verge of death.
The biggest probably for the Psychologist is that is patient refuses to speak with him.
I loved this book and would also another book by Stephen White called Kill Me. It am favourite book. Read on friends👍
The biggest probably for the Psychologist is that is patient refuses to speak with him.
I loved this book and would also another book by Stephen White called Kill Me. It am favourite book. Read on friends👍
October 20, 2017
This was the first book I have read from this author. It turned out to be much better than I expected it to be. I listen to the audio book version and the narrator (Dick Hill) was extremely good. There were many twists in the story and you think you know where it’s going but it surprises you, right up until the end. Nice to know that this is number six of the series-I will look for the other ones now.
May 3, 2020
Great book to read during a pandemic. This was published in 1998. I think I have read most of his books and this hardback was purchased during a nurses' charity book sale in Feb 2020. 310 pages with good, clear writing, story moves well, characters are interesting, the story is solid. I don't believe any of his books have been made into movies or that he has published in recent years. Kept my attention for hours. Thank you, Mr. White.
August 24, 2021
Critical Conditions is an excellent crime thriller that has a decent amount of action with plenty of surprising moments. One of those moments is entirely unexpected. The psychologist Dr. Alan Gregory is trying to discover why a teenage girl attempted suicide, while his detective friend Sam Purdy tries to solve the murder of a doctor. The connection between the two cases is quite shocking. This is very close to a five-star story for me.
November 12, 2017
To me this read more like a conversation at a psychologists' conference than a suspense thriller. There was precious little action and a lot of verbiage which seemed to drag and only served to fill pages with meaningless rhetoric.
I haven't read any of White's other books, hopefully this wasn't his best effort.
I haven't read any of White's other books, hopefully this wasn't his best effort.
December 21, 2021
This is yet another in the series featuring psychologist Dr. Alan Gregory in his Boulder, CO practice. I found this series after there were already 10 published. It was a great find. The stories are all very engaging. They are more like putting on a favorite old slipper than a fabulous jeweled pump. I still have 3 more to read!
November 1, 2017
Good book
Very interesting book. There were a lot of twists and turns with the young girl. The last part was a little to long during the baggage compartment episode. Other than that it was a good read.
Very interesting book. There were a lot of twists and turns with the young girl. The last part was a little to long during the baggage compartment episode. Other than that it was a good read.
February 17, 2021
Stephen White is another great author whose books have it all: great plots, amazing characters and incredible writing. Alan Gregory is summoned by the police to help with an suicide attempt. What follows shouldn't be spoiled.
April 12, 2021
I enjoy this series! This is sixth in the series and it has been getting better and better despite being an older series. Those who lived through the opening of DIA in the early 90s will be heartily amused.
June 17, 2024
I do like the main two characters and their banter. Also the neighbor who was not in this story as much. She is great in telling it like it is. I do have to say I could of done without the blackmail plotline, but overall the twists were good and kept you guessing.
February 18, 2017
3.5 Stars
Decent, fast-paced read. Wish some of the character attachments were a little less confusing but overall good book. I would consider reading more from this author.
Decent, fast-paced read. Wish some of the character attachments were a little less confusing but overall good book. I would consider reading more from this author.
January 12, 2018
Brilliant! Suspenseful and thrilling!
June 2, 2018
Cops and psychiatrists follow a family that has a very sick child and a very troubled sibling.
September 2, 2018
Much, much better than "Remote Control," probably because Lauren is out of town. I am trying to like her character, but I just don't.
January 14, 2019
One of his patients is a suspect in a murder investigation.
February 21, 2019
Started off a little slow and predictable. Fortunately it was a ploy that turned into a well written novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews