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The Naturalist #4
Dark Pattern
Dr. Theo Cray is on the hunt for a killer nurse, and redemption, in a mind-bending psychological thriller by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Naturalist.
Dr. Theo Cray has a legendary mathematical knack for catching serial killers. Until his exposure to a mind-altering pathogen knocks him off his game. It has upended an investigation, destroyed his reputation, and left him to question his own sanity. One person still trusts him to finish the job. His former professor Amanda Paulson is helping point Cray down a logical path to his a nomadic health-care worker whose murder spree stretches back decades and whose victims number in the hundreds.
Never more desperate to save innocent lives, and to save himself, Cray follows each new lead around the world. But with his own grip on reality slipping away, Cray knows that to follow the pattern of an elusive killer, he must also confront his own dark side. In those dangerous shadows, he can find what he’s hunting. For Cray, venturing into a world without reason is going to be the most frightening journey of his life.
Dr. Theo Cray has a legendary mathematical knack for catching serial killers. Until his exposure to a mind-altering pathogen knocks him off his game. It has upended an investigation, destroyed his reputation, and left him to question his own sanity. One person still trusts him to finish the job. His former professor Amanda Paulson is helping point Cray down a logical path to his a nomadic health-care worker whose murder spree stretches back decades and whose victims number in the hundreds.
Never more desperate to save innocent lives, and to save himself, Cray follows each new lead around the world. But with his own grip on reality slipping away, Cray knows that to follow the pattern of an elusive killer, he must also confront his own dark side. In those dangerous shadows, he can find what he’s hunting. For Cray, venturing into a world without reason is going to be the most frightening journey of his life.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2019
2335 people are currently reading
3824 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 516 reviews
November 30, 2019
I’m not sure how he does it, but Andrew Mayne continues to blow my mind exponentially with each book he releases featuring Dr. Theo Cray. Definitely read this series in order, but I can not recommend these books highly enough to fans of well-researched mysteries and serial killer thrillers!
December 12, 2019
Dark Pattern by Andrew Mayne is the fourth entry in The Naturalist series. Because this is my first book in the series, I felt that I was missing important and relevant information. Dr. Theo Cray finds serial killers by analyzing mathematical patterns, hence the title. Someone from his past asks him to investigate the suspicious deaths of several hospitalized patients. This leads Theo to discover that a nurse may be responsible for hundreds of murders over a period of many decades. He establishes mathematical profiles which identify a possible subject. Theo travels to numerous hospitals and uses somewhat illegal methods to document his convictions. This mystery will appeal to Theo Cray followers. I found it to be difficult to follow but I am only expressing my own opinion. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2019
"It never stops, not really. What happened to my head, it's not something that gets better." (Detective Rust Cohle from True Detectives)
And Dr. Theo Cray, computational biologist extraordinaire, has some head trouble, too. He's been exposed to the vicious Hyde virus that has been laying dormant within him since his last run-up with a serial killer. Theo has been trying to stay one step ahead of it with weekly MRI's at various hospitals under an assumed name. So far, so good.
We catch up with Theo at a speaking engagement at a Baton Rouge hospital in front of a flock of nurses. One of the young ladies approaches him afterwards and suggests that they meet outside of the hospital. Emily shares a mind blowing observation with him. One of the nearby clinics has had an over-the-top amount of unexpected, shocking deaths with no solid explanations. Can you roll out the words: Cover-Up?
'Nuff said. Our guy Theo, a born bloodhound and vigilante, is armed with data that he's masterminded from some under the table means. That's Theo and we don't even blink an eye over how he gets his stuff. As readers, we're along for the ride and the ride is filled with plenty of head bangin' noise. Just how we like it.
There appears to be a malcontent nurse on the loose with evil intentions. Tracking this individual is going to be a rough one for Theo. His girlfriend, Jillian, cuts him slack since she knows that this is all about what Theo is all about. His former professor, Amanda Parson, will take him to task and shoves him into the challenging lane.
Dark Pattern is one fun ride into the minds of individuals who are far off kilter. Andrew Mayne has a delightful writing style with slices of biological backup and a heaping spread of humorous dialogue. Although this is the fourth entry into this series, it can still be read as a standalone. However, I would encourage you to start at the beginning with The Naturalist for its full effect. If you're an avid reader of Andrew Mayne, you'll be waiting on the doorstep for the next one just like me.
I received a copy of Dark Pattern through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Andrew Mayne for the opportunity.
And Dr. Theo Cray, computational biologist extraordinaire, has some head trouble, too. He's been exposed to the vicious Hyde virus that has been laying dormant within him since his last run-up with a serial killer. Theo has been trying to stay one step ahead of it with weekly MRI's at various hospitals under an assumed name. So far, so good.
We catch up with Theo at a speaking engagement at a Baton Rouge hospital in front of a flock of nurses. One of the young ladies approaches him afterwards and suggests that they meet outside of the hospital. Emily shares a mind blowing observation with him. One of the nearby clinics has had an over-the-top amount of unexpected, shocking deaths with no solid explanations. Can you roll out the words: Cover-Up?
'Nuff said. Our guy Theo, a born bloodhound and vigilante, is armed with data that he's masterminded from some under the table means. That's Theo and we don't even blink an eye over how he gets his stuff. As readers, we're along for the ride and the ride is filled with plenty of head bangin' noise. Just how we like it.
There appears to be a malcontent nurse on the loose with evil intentions. Tracking this individual is going to be a rough one for Theo. His girlfriend, Jillian, cuts him slack since she knows that this is all about what Theo is all about. His former professor, Amanda Parson, will take him to task and shoves him into the challenging lane.
Dark Pattern is one fun ride into the minds of individuals who are far off kilter. Andrew Mayne has a delightful writing style with slices of biological backup and a heaping spread of humorous dialogue. Although this is the fourth entry into this series, it can still be read as a standalone. However, I would encourage you to start at the beginning with The Naturalist for its full effect. If you're an avid reader of Andrew Mayne, you'll be waiting on the doorstep for the next one just like me.
I received a copy of Dark Pattern through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Andrew Mayne for the opportunity.
April 7, 2021
Andrew Mayne proves yet again to be one of the most captivating thriller writers that I have had the pleasure to read. His novels are easy to comprehend while tying the reader up in knots with complex plots that are quite unique. The versatility he exemplifies creates a reading experience where one can never be sure what awaits them around the bend. This series, my third, utilises some of the most thought-provoking stories that I can recollect ever encountering, mixing thrills with science and peppering in some humour when time permits. Mayne’s protagonist, Theo Cray, is highly unique himself and never shies away from controversy, which only adds to the experience. After being sprayed with an unknown toxin at the end of the last novel, Cray is off his game and wondering if he is infected with Hyde virus. He is handed another unique serial killer case and heads to Louisiana to see if a nurse is responsible for a series of deaths across a number of hospitals. What looks like a simple case grows exponentially more complex, leaving Cray on the wrong end of the authorities and a jail cell! Mayne dazzles yet again in this thriller.
Theo Cray may be a talented computational biologist, but he cannot shake the feeling that something is very wrong. After being sprayed with an unknown toxin a while back, he cannot help but wonder if it was Hyde virus. The virus is said to turn the rational brain into that of a killer for no apparent reason. While he is not showing any outward symptoms, Cray is not taking any chances and has been receiving brain scans to check for any anomalies.
While he feels less than ready to tackle another case, one falls into his lap down in Louisiana. Cray is sent to look for a nurse who appears to have been killing people, children included, and leaving a wake of disaster. Always able to sneak off before he’s been discovered, this nurse is out to kill, likely hundreds, without justice being served. Cray is on it, sure that he can find the pattern.
When he arrives in Baton Rouge, Cray receives some confidential material to which he is not legal entitled. Using it, Cray is able to create a graph that shows the killer’s progress through a number of facilities. While Cray is eager to offer up some answers, he must tread carefully. Inching towards an answer, Cray does all in his power to name the killer, sure that this will impress everyone and return him to hero status once and for all.
However, things go awry and Cray finds himself on the wrong end of a legal probe into his actions. He is able to escape, barely, but a hefty fine lingers over him. During a visit by one of his former professors, Amanda Paulson, Cray realises that he has been looking at the case through too narrow a scope. This new insight opens the door to new data plotting and reveals that the killer may be using additional resources to cover their tracks.
On a whim, Cray travel outside of the continental United States and makes his way to an old facility in the Caribbean, only to realise that American justice is a tad more patient than here. Cray finds himself awaiting for the wheels of justice to turn, as a killer continues to lurk in the shadows. It is sure to take Cray more than a little luck to finally solve this case and ensure his safety.
Andrew Mayne seems to keep getting better the more he writes, particularly in this series, With the less than ‘normal’ The Cray, Mayne has developed quite the series, leaving no rock unturned and helping to educate the reader on the nuances of the lesser known sciences that can help in the forensic battle. It is hard to believe this is the final in the Theo Cray series to date, though there is a treat that awaits Mayne fans later in 2021, where two stellar protagonists will come together.
Theo Cray may be off his game, but he remains as sharp as ever throughout this piece. His scientific mind is like no other and appears to spin in some really interesting directions. Cray is keen to impress, while also worrying that he may be infected with a horrible disease that could turn him rogue. Balancing that with a burgeoning personal life, The Cray has little time to rest on his laurels. This may not be one of his most harrowing cases ever, but he certainly has the most riding on it.
Mayne does a masterful job with his supporting cast yet again, coaxing out some great banter that fuels an already strong narrative. As the book moves through various parts of the United States and into the Caribbean, those who encounter Theo Cray add a wonderful depth to the experience. There is a great deal going on and Cray sees many faces, each a little more daunting than the last. There is little time to stop in the book and these characters enrich the story perfectly, flavouring things effectively throughout the journey.
As always, the stories are on point and perfectly paced. Mayne has a wonderful way of getting to the root of the matter and impacts things with his strong writing. The narrative pace keeps the reader wanting to learn a little more and the dialogue banter provides some needed entertainment between the serious portions. Mayne has always made a point of showing his reader more of the protagonist as the story advances and this was no exception. Short chapters keep the reader moving forward and wondering what awaits them. While Mayne likely has some other plans for Cray in the coming months, I cannot wait to see him evolve and become an even more endearing, if not awkward, character for the masses to enjoy.
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for another piece that connects things just enough for the reader to want more. I am glad to have had this series recommended and can only hope there is lots more to come.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Theo Cray may be a talented computational biologist, but he cannot shake the feeling that something is very wrong. After being sprayed with an unknown toxin a while back, he cannot help but wonder if it was Hyde virus. The virus is said to turn the rational brain into that of a killer for no apparent reason. While he is not showing any outward symptoms, Cray is not taking any chances and has been receiving brain scans to check for any anomalies.
While he feels less than ready to tackle another case, one falls into his lap down in Louisiana. Cray is sent to look for a nurse who appears to have been killing people, children included, and leaving a wake of disaster. Always able to sneak off before he’s been discovered, this nurse is out to kill, likely hundreds, without justice being served. Cray is on it, sure that he can find the pattern.
When he arrives in Baton Rouge, Cray receives some confidential material to which he is not legal entitled. Using it, Cray is able to create a graph that shows the killer’s progress through a number of facilities. While Cray is eager to offer up some answers, he must tread carefully. Inching towards an answer, Cray does all in his power to name the killer, sure that this will impress everyone and return him to hero status once and for all.
However, things go awry and Cray finds himself on the wrong end of a legal probe into his actions. He is able to escape, barely, but a hefty fine lingers over him. During a visit by one of his former professors, Amanda Paulson, Cray realises that he has been looking at the case through too narrow a scope. This new insight opens the door to new data plotting and reveals that the killer may be using additional resources to cover their tracks.
On a whim, Cray travel outside of the continental United States and makes his way to an old facility in the Caribbean, only to realise that American justice is a tad more patient than here. Cray finds himself awaiting for the wheels of justice to turn, as a killer continues to lurk in the shadows. It is sure to take Cray more than a little luck to finally solve this case and ensure his safety.
Andrew Mayne seems to keep getting better the more he writes, particularly in this series, With the less than ‘normal’ The Cray, Mayne has developed quite the series, leaving no rock unturned and helping to educate the reader on the nuances of the lesser known sciences that can help in the forensic battle. It is hard to believe this is the final in the Theo Cray series to date, though there is a treat that awaits Mayne fans later in 2021, where two stellar protagonists will come together.
Theo Cray may be off his game, but he remains as sharp as ever throughout this piece. His scientific mind is like no other and appears to spin in some really interesting directions. Cray is keen to impress, while also worrying that he may be infected with a horrible disease that could turn him rogue. Balancing that with a burgeoning personal life, The Cray has little time to rest on his laurels. This may not be one of his most harrowing cases ever, but he certainly has the most riding on it.
Mayne does a masterful job with his supporting cast yet again, coaxing out some great banter that fuels an already strong narrative. As the book moves through various parts of the United States and into the Caribbean, those who encounter Theo Cray add a wonderful depth to the experience. There is a great deal going on and Cray sees many faces, each a little more daunting than the last. There is little time to stop in the book and these characters enrich the story perfectly, flavouring things effectively throughout the journey.
As always, the stories are on point and perfectly paced. Mayne has a wonderful way of getting to the root of the matter and impacts things with his strong writing. The narrative pace keeps the reader wanting to learn a little more and the dialogue banter provides some needed entertainment between the serious portions. Mayne has always made a point of showing his reader more of the protagonist as the story advances and this was no exception. Short chapters keep the reader moving forward and wondering what awaits them. While Mayne likely has some other plans for Cray in the coming months, I cannot wait to see him evolve and become an even more endearing, if not awkward, character for the masses to enjoy.
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for another piece that connects things just enough for the reader to want more. I am glad to have had this series recommended and can only hope there is lots more to come.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
March 13, 2020
Ending that isn't.
I love Theo Cray as a character. Love how his mind works and how he has no boundaries once he's obsessed. The ending of this book disappointed me. It's a sleazy marketing ploy to get us to read the Jessica Blackwood series, the 1st of which isn't available through Kindle Unlimited. I couldn't remember what Amanda Paulson's big project in Mayanmar was, but I didn't care to go back and re-read because Theo's finding N2 was brutally anticlimactic on top of coming to the conclusion I've just been dealing with an author, whose stories I usually love, just acted like a used car salesman with this sleazy ending.
I love Theo Cray as a character. Love how his mind works and how he has no boundaries once he's obsessed. The ending of this book disappointed me. It's a sleazy marketing ploy to get us to read the Jessica Blackwood series, the 1st of which isn't available through Kindle Unlimited. I couldn't remember what Amanda Paulson's big project in Mayanmar was, but I didn't care to go back and re-read because Theo's finding N2 was brutally anticlimactic on top of coming to the conclusion I've just been dealing with an author, whose stories I usually love, just acted like a used car salesman with this sleazy ending.
October 17, 2019
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2019/10/17/...
These Naturalist books tend to be “one day reads” for me, and Dark Pattern, which got devoured in two reading sessions over a matter of hours, was definitely no exception. I love this series so much, and I just knew this novel would be another unputdownable mystery, which is why I’m glad I had the foresight to clear my schedule to devote an entire afternoon to reading, because bloody hell, this one was addictive.
Once again, Dr. Theo Cray is on the case, though he’s had a lot more on his mind since the last time we saw him. If you have not caught up to this point in the series yet, please bear in mind this review may contain some spoilers for the previous books. While each novel features a self-contained story, the events in them do add up to affect the protagonist in a big way, as evidenced at the beginning of Dark Pattern, which sees Theo fretting over his exposure to a dangerous virus at the conclusion of Murder Theory. While his reputation for catching serial killers has all but destroyed his prospects in the educational and research fields, at least he still has his logical mind and moral compass—for the time being, anyway. And he’s going to need all his wits about him if he’s to solve his next big case, brought forth to him by a nursing professional concerned that a corrupt local hospital system may be shielding the activities of a serial killer nurse who is targeting patients.
Following this tip leads Theo to several families who have lost their children to routine hospital care, with the cause of death a mystery. The one common factor is a nurse who has worked with or around the children immediately prior to their deaths, and the pattern is enough to make Theo suspicious and take a closer look. But what he ends up uncovering is so much worse, including corrupt bureaucrats who knew something fishy was going on but refused to do anything, as well as the manipulation of patient statistics to hide the truth.
Gosh, the stuff you read in this book will send chills running down your spine, and what’s even more frightening is how much of the bad conditions are based on truth, if news you see on corruption in healthcare or my own experiences working in hospitals are anything to go by. Dark Pattern is up there as one of the darker novels in the series, both because of story’s themes and what happens to our main character. Being hospitalized is unpleasant enough as it is, but it’s also a place where people should be able to put themselves and their loved ones in the trust of healthcare workers who are supposed to help heal them. The plot’s premise of a serial killer stalking along the antiseptic halls looking for his prey among the ill, the old, and little helpless children made my skin crawl.
And then of course, we come to Theo. He’s been slowly losing it for a while now, pushing his luck (and limits) when it comes to how far he’s willing to go to solve a case. He continues this trend in Dark Pattern, but now his methods and actions have become even bolder and more extreme. While his heart is still in the right place, you can really tell Theo is well on his way down a slippery slope. While this concerns him, the irony is that he’s probably worried for all the wrong reasons, and without revealing too much about the ending, I have to say his lack of perspective and eventual loss of grip on the situation really surprised me.
Which brings me to the elephant in the room. Let’s just say I loved this book for the most part, and was all prepared to throw it a five star rating until the last few chapters happened. Again, without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that this section didn’t quite jive with everything that came before. The conclusion itself was rather underwhelming, and it also almost felt as if the author suddenly ran up against a hard deadline and had to rush through the rest of the book. I can’t deny this was a bit disappointing, though to tell the truth, this bizarre shift made me feel more confused than anything. This is because in a way, the end of Dark Pattern felt like a sort of “soft reset” for Dr. Theo Cray. It pretty much places the series at a place where the story and character can go in any number of new directions, so I suppose just about anything can happen now.
It gives me great hope for a fifth installment. While Dark Pattern didn’t exactly wow me with its ending, the rest of the book and its mystery plot was solid. I look forward to seeing where The Naturalist series will go next.
These Naturalist books tend to be “one day reads” for me, and Dark Pattern, which got devoured in two reading sessions over a matter of hours, was definitely no exception. I love this series so much, and I just knew this novel would be another unputdownable mystery, which is why I’m glad I had the foresight to clear my schedule to devote an entire afternoon to reading, because bloody hell, this one was addictive.
Once again, Dr. Theo Cray is on the case, though he’s had a lot more on his mind since the last time we saw him. If you have not caught up to this point in the series yet, please bear in mind this review may contain some spoilers for the previous books. While each novel features a self-contained story, the events in them do add up to affect the protagonist in a big way, as evidenced at the beginning of Dark Pattern, which sees Theo fretting over his exposure to a dangerous virus at the conclusion of Murder Theory. While his reputation for catching serial killers has all but destroyed his prospects in the educational and research fields, at least he still has his logical mind and moral compass—for the time being, anyway. And he’s going to need all his wits about him if he’s to solve his next big case, brought forth to him by a nursing professional concerned that a corrupt local hospital system may be shielding the activities of a serial killer nurse who is targeting patients.
Following this tip leads Theo to several families who have lost their children to routine hospital care, with the cause of death a mystery. The one common factor is a nurse who has worked with or around the children immediately prior to their deaths, and the pattern is enough to make Theo suspicious and take a closer look. But what he ends up uncovering is so much worse, including corrupt bureaucrats who knew something fishy was going on but refused to do anything, as well as the manipulation of patient statistics to hide the truth.
Gosh, the stuff you read in this book will send chills running down your spine, and what’s even more frightening is how much of the bad conditions are based on truth, if news you see on corruption in healthcare or my own experiences working in hospitals are anything to go by. Dark Pattern is up there as one of the darker novels in the series, both because of story’s themes and what happens to our main character. Being hospitalized is unpleasant enough as it is, but it’s also a place where people should be able to put themselves and their loved ones in the trust of healthcare workers who are supposed to help heal them. The plot’s premise of a serial killer stalking along the antiseptic halls looking for his prey among the ill, the old, and little helpless children made my skin crawl.
And then of course, we come to Theo. He’s been slowly losing it for a while now, pushing his luck (and limits) when it comes to how far he’s willing to go to solve a case. He continues this trend in Dark Pattern, but now his methods and actions have become even bolder and more extreme. While his heart is still in the right place, you can really tell Theo is well on his way down a slippery slope. While this concerns him, the irony is that he’s probably worried for all the wrong reasons, and without revealing too much about the ending, I have to say his lack of perspective and eventual loss of grip on the situation really surprised me.
Which brings me to the elephant in the room. Let’s just say I loved this book for the most part, and was all prepared to throw it a five star rating until the last few chapters happened. Again, without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that this section didn’t quite jive with everything that came before. The conclusion itself was rather underwhelming, and it also almost felt as if the author suddenly ran up against a hard deadline and had to rush through the rest of the book. I can’t deny this was a bit disappointing, though to tell the truth, this bizarre shift made me feel more confused than anything. This is because in a way, the end of Dark Pattern felt like a sort of “soft reset” for Dr. Theo Cray. It pretty much places the series at a place where the story and character can go in any number of new directions, so I suppose just about anything can happen now.
It gives me great hope for a fifth installment. While Dark Pattern didn’t exactly wow me with its ending, the rest of the book and its mystery plot was solid. I look forward to seeing where The Naturalist series will go next.
February 5, 2020
Every single book that I have read by Andrew Mayne has completely blown my mind! His series, both, are fascinating, sharp, in a word: brilliant. I can feel my brain expanding with the scientific, technological and mathematical information he includes in each of his books. He's amazing.
Dark Pattern is the fourth in The Naturalist series featuring Dr. Theo Cray, a mathematician who is, literally, a genius. Using his expertise in maths and computer technology, he is able to see patterns in crimes committed that others cannot see. This time he is more vulnerable as a parasite may - or may not - be eating away at his brain. Even in the end, we are not sure what will become of Dr. Theo Cray. Dark Pattern is exciting, inventive and exceptional and, while I encourage you to read the books in order, I cannot recommend ALL of his books highly enough. This techno thriller will leave your reeling!
Dark Pattern is the fourth in The Naturalist series featuring Dr. Theo Cray, a mathematician who is, literally, a genius. Using his expertise in maths and computer technology, he is able to see patterns in crimes committed that others cannot see. This time he is more vulnerable as a parasite may - or may not - be eating away at his brain. Even in the end, we are not sure what will become of Dr. Theo Cray. Dark Pattern is exciting, inventive and exceptional and, while I encourage you to read the books in order, I cannot recommend ALL of his books highly enough. This techno thriller will leave your reeling!
March 14, 2022
This series is so addictive I can't wait for the next book. What is hollywood waiting for? Theo Cray is movie material, he would make James Bond look boring!
October 25, 2019
Dr Theo Cray is a great character! And I love this series. Slightly implausible ending to this one, I thought.
April 14, 2022
Gobsmacked. Stunned. And basically...this book scored 100% on the disappointment, disbelief and anger scale. The (initial) 5 star rating is specifically for that only - 100% solid disappointment.
After 2 excellent first books in the series and the 3rd so-so this book is completely unacceptable. I was not going to give any rating at all but I don't want people to go in expecting too much either. So here goes -
Theo Cray has lost his marbles and the worst part is there is no reason for it. The book started out SO GOOD and it kept building up to something promising and then the story went REALLY badly off the track. We are then simply observing Theo Cray's dissent into madness. Deadly virus - forgotten. Who is the killer nurse - forgotten. Why is she killing people - forgotten. Why is the male killer nurse killing - forgotten. Who is the guy with satanic papers in the prologue - forgotten. How is he supposed to have influenced the killer nurses destiny - forgotten.
For someone who has displayed beautiful logical deductions in book 1 and 2 he has shown a ginormous lack of any intelligence by failing to sue his manager for possibly infecting him with a deadly virus. It's not like there was no evidence! And considering Forrestor is still alive which douchebag wouldn't go straight to him and twist his arm (physically or metaphorically) to give him an antibiotic for it?
And considering this is book 4 why introduce a random character like Amanda Paulson who anyway dies in 10 minutes and completely ignore your own mother? If I knew I was infected with a deadly virus I sure as hell would at least want to say goodbye to my family!!
If Andrew Mayne's goal was to make Theo Cray unlikeable he has done a stellar job. I could cheerfully strangle Theo Cray myself. And Andrew Mayne also come to think of it.
After 2 excellent first books in the series and the 3rd so-so this book is completely unacceptable. I was not going to give any rating at all but I don't want people to go in expecting too much either. So here goes -
Theo Cray has lost his marbles and the worst part is there is no reason for it. The book started out SO GOOD and it kept building up to something promising and then the story went REALLY badly off the track. We are then simply observing Theo Cray's dissent into madness. Deadly virus - forgotten. Who is the killer nurse - forgotten. Why is she killing people - forgotten. Why is the male killer nurse killing - forgotten. Who is the guy with satanic papers in the prologue - forgotten. How is he supposed to have influenced the killer nurses destiny - forgotten.
For someone who has displayed beautiful logical deductions in book 1 and 2 he has shown a ginormous lack of any intelligence by failing to sue his manager for possibly infecting him with a deadly virus. It's not like there was no evidence! And considering Forrestor is still alive which douchebag wouldn't go straight to him and twist his arm (physically or metaphorically) to give him an antibiotic for it?
And considering this is book 4 why introduce a random character like Amanda Paulson who anyway dies in 10 minutes and completely ignore your own mother? If I knew I was infected with a deadly virus I sure as hell would at least want to say goodbye to my family!!
If Andrew Mayne's goal was to make Theo Cray unlikeable he has done a stellar job. I could cheerfully strangle Theo Cray myself. And Andrew Mayne also come to think of it.
October 3, 2019
Dark Pattern, or: Theo Hits Rock Bottom
I'm a huge fan of this series and its main character but this felt rushed. I hope the copy I received isn't the final release version because it feels like a draft Mayne hammered out 3 days before the deadline, while going down a checklist and hitting all his criteria. This time Theo is hunting a serial killer nurse, business as usual, but everything else feels off.
Theo feels out of character, acting rashly and overlooking huge issues instead of being cautious and meticulous as in the previous installments. You could say it's his ego getting to his head but that feels like a lousy excuse; most likely it's just collateral damage from the rushing. And there's no mention of the Hyde virus potentially causing some of his dysfunction. Maybe that was really just a dropped plot thread, or maybe Theo himself doesn't realise it, but either way we won't know for sure until the next book.
The end was hard to read. Watching as Theo basically spirals down into obsession, you have to wonder how something like that can happen to someone as bright and well-educated as him.
Then it all ends on another cliffhanger, just like the last book.
I'll read the next book for sure, but I really hope the author takes his time and it's a lot more fleshed out and thorough than this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
I'm a huge fan of this series and its main character but this felt rushed. I hope the copy I received isn't the final release version because it feels like a draft Mayne hammered out 3 days before the deadline, while going down a checklist and hitting all his criteria. This time Theo is hunting a serial killer nurse, business as usual, but everything else feels off.
Theo feels out of character, acting rashly and overlooking huge issues instead of being cautious and meticulous as in the previous installments. You could say it's his ego getting to his head but that feels like a lousy excuse; most likely it's just collateral damage from the rushing. And there's no mention of the Hyde virus potentially causing some of his dysfunction. Maybe that was really just a dropped plot thread, or maybe Theo himself doesn't realise it, but either way we won't know for sure until the next book.
The end was hard to read. Watching as Theo basically spirals down into obsession, you have to wonder how something like that can happen to someone as bright and well-educated as him.
Then it all ends on another cliffhanger, just like the last book.
I'll read the next book for sure, but I really hope the author takes his time and it's a lot more fleshed out and thorough than this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
November 2, 2019
2.5/5 stars. I really really wanted to like this book more, but by the end of the book sadly I did not really enjoy it. I do enjoy Theo Cray and if you are a fan I recommend the read, but I can easily say this is the weakest of the books and just felt sloppy and rushed. I hate to say that because I really like the author and all his books and podcasts. In response to this book, the story is just all over the place with multiple plot lines that go nowhere, and ridiculous over the top encounters Theo has make him almost trying to be a Jason Bourne than a scientist. Also, the ending is very disappointing and when the killer is finally caught there is maybe only a sentence devoted to it with no follow up after.
February 7, 2021
Knížce jsem dala 4,5/5, byla fakt napínavá a svižná, par kapitol bylo pomalých, ale celkový dojem z knížky je skvělý, autor umí krásně vykreslit postavy i příběh a udržet své čtenáře v neustálém napětí❤️
December 5, 2021
This is the first series I read that got me into Andrew Mayne books. I was so excited to finally get around to reading the fourth book in The Naturalist series. The book I would give 4 stars up until with end; the end was a huge let down and I give that 3, or maybe even 2 stars. It went that downhill for me. Going into it I knew the author has some writing quirks that don’t necessarily take away from the book for me because they’re in all his books, but they still kind of annoy me so they ended up adding to my dislike of the book. I think what the issue is, is that he tries to write in a perspective other than his own, or at least a different perspective from the characters in the book and it always ends up sounding very weird and unnatural, which is weird in a book called ‘The Naturalist’.
I’ll give an example: in this book there was a character that said “On the flip side, while as grossly inefficient as that [American healthcare] system is, the alternative is state-controlled pricing across the board, which means chronic drug shortages like they have in Canada, where they run out of things like EpiPens.” Where the whole premise of the book is that this hospital failed to identify a serial killer a lot of negative things were said about the healthcare system, so maybe this was an attempt at ‘balancing’ the perspectives in the book, which I’ve noticed he attempts to do in all his books, but it didn’t work. It’s both not true (we have pill shortages in America, and there was an Epi shortage going on when this book was released) and also felt very forced and weird. This, however, was really a minor thing for me because, like I said, he’s done this in every book of his I’ve read. The thing that really ruined this book for me was the end. The last handful of chapters seemed like either he didn’t know how to end it. Or knew where he wanted to get (the spin-off/crossover series) but didn’t know how to get there. The ending was written only for the purpose of getting to the crossover series; so maybe I’ll be happier with it once I read that, but for right now the ending was really poorly written when I really enjoy Andrew Mayne’s writing. It was a huge let down for me after reading the whole series. I realize I’m not doing a very good job of convincing anyone to read this series, but it was 95% really good. The mysteries in all 4 books were so good. It’s still a really good series, and I highly recommend it, but don’t get your hopes up for the end.
I’ll give an example: in this book there was a character that said “On the flip side, while as grossly inefficient as that [American healthcare] system is, the alternative is state-controlled pricing across the board, which means chronic drug shortages like they have in Canada, where they run out of things like EpiPens.” Where the whole premise of the book is that this hospital failed to identify a serial killer a lot of negative things were said about the healthcare system, so maybe this was an attempt at ‘balancing’ the perspectives in the book, which I’ve noticed he attempts to do in all his books, but it didn’t work. It’s both not true (we have pill shortages in America, and there was an Epi shortage going on when this book was released) and also felt very forced and weird. This, however, was really a minor thing for me because, like I said, he’s done this in every book of his I’ve read. The thing that really ruined this book for me was the end. The last handful of chapters seemed like either he didn’t know how to end it. Or knew where he wanted to get (the spin-off/crossover series) but didn’t know how to get there. The ending was written only for the purpose of getting to the crossover series; so maybe I’ll be happier with it once I read that, but for right now the ending was really poorly written when I really enjoy Andrew Mayne’s writing. It was a huge let down for me after reading the whole series. I realize I’m not doing a very good job of convincing anyone to read this series, but it was 95% really good. The mysteries in all 4 books were so good. It’s still a really good series, and I highly recommend it, but don’t get your hopes up for the end.
October 26, 2019
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The nitty-gritty: Compulsively readable, Andrew Mayne’s thrilling series is just getting better and better.
If you haven’t started this series yet, then my question is, why not? I am enjoying the hell out of Andrew Mayne’s The Naturalist series, and it’s clear after finishing this fourth book that he isn’t even close to being finished with Dr. Theo Cray’s story. Dark Pattern was different from the other books for a couple of reasons. First, this felt like less of a standalone story than the others. Mayne refers back to events in both The Naturalist and Murder Theory, so expect to be lost if you try to start reading at this point in the game. I also found Dark Pattern to be more of a psychological thriller, where the previous books were more action oriented. Theo has been on a downward spiral for a while now, and in this book he really enters a very dark place and stays there. But even without the violence that I've come to expect from the previous books, it ultimately didn’t matter because the horrors in this book are much quieter but equally deadly and chilling.
And from this point on, there will be mild spoilers for previous books, so do read at your own risk!
When the story starts, Dr. Theo Cray is dealing with the fallout from the end of Murder Theory. In that book, he was exposed to a deadly pathogen called the Hyde virus, which turns victims into raving killing machines. Theo stopped the people responsible from secretly infecting the U.S. military ranks, but the virus remains a mystery. Theo is worried that he might develop the disease at any time, and so he’s started getting weekly MRIs so he can spot any irregularities before it’s too late.
One day he’s approached by a student who insists she has evidence of an “angel of death,” a killer nurse. Theo is reluctant to get involved, since he’s tried to leave his life of tracking down and stopping serial killers behind. But curiosity gets the better of him and he decides to talk to a family whose young child died during a routine hospital stay. The father names a “creepy” nurse named Sergio Filman, and Theo sets off on a personal investigation to see if he can prove Filman’s guilt. When his mentor Amanda Paulson sees something in Theo’s data that he missed, they realize that there may be a second killer on the loose as well.
Theo’s determination to stop the hospital deaths takes him from Austin, Texas to the island of Saint Lucia, as he doggedly follows the “Dark Pattern,” the string of data he’s compiled that will eventually lead him to the killers. But his obsession with finding and exposing the truth is becoming a danger to Theo, who can't seem to stop until the killer is caught.
Once again, Andrew Mayne has written a highly entertaining thriller that was impossible to put down. If you’ve read my reviews for the other books in the series, you’ll know that Dr. Theo Cray is a big reason for the success of these books. He’s a computational biologist who uses computer data combined with his expertise in the fields of science to solve murders. It doesn’t hurt that he’s extremely smart, tech savvy, and can analyze data in the blink of an eye. But Theo isn’t perfect by a long shot. He’s arrogant, sneaky, and breaks the law on a regular basis. He thinks nothing of trespassing or stealing data to get what he needs, but he’s also a fast talker and is able to miraculously get himself out of trouble. He reminds me a lot of Dexter, although Theo doesn’t like to kill at all—he only does it when necessary. I loved the direction Mayne takes in this book, as Theo is starting to go down a very dark path. He’s contemplating suicide (although not for the reasons you may think) and his obsession with tracking down the killer nurses borders on mania—he definitely starts to lose himself near the end of the story, which is quite chilling.
And you can’t really talk about Theo without mentioning his girlfriend Jillian. I have to admit I’ve never really been on board with their relationship. I think the main reason is that I just don’t like Jillian that much, for some reason. I get it, she puts up with a lot, being Theo’s girlfriend, but she also tends to be jealous which just isn’t that attractive. She’s more of a mother figure, in my opinion!
Mayne tackles the subject of hospital corruption, which to me is even more terrifying than the serial killers at loose in the story. I’ve never been completely comfortable around doctors and hospitals to begin with, but after reading Dark Pattern I’m even less likely to trust physicians, which is pretty damn scary! During his investigation, Theo uncovers some very shady business practices and must figure out a way to expose what the hospitals are doing without drawing too much attention to himself. That doesn’t work too well, which I guess is a good thing for us, because the story wouldn’t have been half as exciting if Theo weren’t in danger.
My only quibble about Dark Pattern is that the last ten percent of the book felt way too rushed. It seemed like Mayne wanted to wrap up the story quickly, and I think the pacing suffered a bit for it. BUT. That last paragraph! Of course I can’t reveal the end, but let’s just say that a new character makes an appearance and I had to immediately go to Goodreads to find out who she was. Mayne gives us a clear lead-in to the next book, and I anticipate an excruciating wait to find out where he’s taking his story next, especially since he doesn’t wrap things up neatly at the end. This series is only going to get better, and I highly recommend jumping on board if you haven’t already.
Big thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy.
Read my reviews for the other books in the series:
The Naturalist
Looking Glass
Murder Theory This review originally appeared on Books, Bones & Buffy
If you haven’t started this series yet, then my question is, why not? I am enjoying the hell out of Andrew Mayne’s The Naturalist series, and it’s clear after finishing this fourth book that he isn’t even close to being finished with Dr. Theo Cray’s story. Dark Pattern was different from the other books for a couple of reasons. First, this felt like less of a standalone story than the others. Mayne refers back to events in both The Naturalist and Murder Theory, so expect to be lost if you try to start reading at this point in the game. I also found Dark Pattern to be more of a psychological thriller, where the previous books were more action oriented. Theo has been on a downward spiral for a while now, and in this book he really enters a very dark place and stays there. But even without the violence that I've come to expect from the previous books, it ultimately didn’t matter because the horrors in this book are much quieter but equally deadly and chilling.
And from this point on, there will be mild spoilers for previous books, so do read at your own risk!
When the story starts, Dr. Theo Cray is dealing with the fallout from the end of Murder Theory. In that book, he was exposed to a deadly pathogen called the Hyde virus, which turns victims into raving killing machines. Theo stopped the people responsible from secretly infecting the U.S. military ranks, but the virus remains a mystery. Theo is worried that he might develop the disease at any time, and so he’s started getting weekly MRIs so he can spot any irregularities before it’s too late.
One day he’s approached by a student who insists she has evidence of an “angel of death,” a killer nurse. Theo is reluctant to get involved, since he’s tried to leave his life of tracking down and stopping serial killers behind. But curiosity gets the better of him and he decides to talk to a family whose young child died during a routine hospital stay. The father names a “creepy” nurse named Sergio Filman, and Theo sets off on a personal investigation to see if he can prove Filman’s guilt. When his mentor Amanda Paulson sees something in Theo’s data that he missed, they realize that there may be a second killer on the loose as well.
Theo’s determination to stop the hospital deaths takes him from Austin, Texas to the island of Saint Lucia, as he doggedly follows the “Dark Pattern,” the string of data he’s compiled that will eventually lead him to the killers. But his obsession with finding and exposing the truth is becoming a danger to Theo, who can't seem to stop until the killer is caught.
Once again, Andrew Mayne has written a highly entertaining thriller that was impossible to put down. If you’ve read my reviews for the other books in the series, you’ll know that Dr. Theo Cray is a big reason for the success of these books. He’s a computational biologist who uses computer data combined with his expertise in the fields of science to solve murders. It doesn’t hurt that he’s extremely smart, tech savvy, and can analyze data in the blink of an eye. But Theo isn’t perfect by a long shot. He’s arrogant, sneaky, and breaks the law on a regular basis. He thinks nothing of trespassing or stealing data to get what he needs, but he’s also a fast talker and is able to miraculously get himself out of trouble. He reminds me a lot of Dexter, although Theo doesn’t like to kill at all—he only does it when necessary. I loved the direction Mayne takes in this book, as Theo is starting to go down a very dark path. He’s contemplating suicide (although not for the reasons you may think) and his obsession with tracking down the killer nurses borders on mania—he definitely starts to lose himself near the end of the story, which is quite chilling.
And you can’t really talk about Theo without mentioning his girlfriend Jillian. I have to admit I’ve never really been on board with their relationship. I think the main reason is that I just don’t like Jillian that much, for some reason. I get it, she puts up with a lot, being Theo’s girlfriend, but she also tends to be jealous which just isn’t that attractive. She’s more of a mother figure, in my opinion!
Mayne tackles the subject of hospital corruption, which to me is even more terrifying than the serial killers at loose in the story. I’ve never been completely comfortable around doctors and hospitals to begin with, but after reading Dark Pattern I’m even less likely to trust physicians, which is pretty damn scary! During his investigation, Theo uncovers some very shady business practices and must figure out a way to expose what the hospitals are doing without drawing too much attention to himself. That doesn’t work too well, which I guess is a good thing for us, because the story wouldn’t have been half as exciting if Theo weren’t in danger.
My only quibble about Dark Pattern is that the last ten percent of the book felt way too rushed. It seemed like Mayne wanted to wrap up the story quickly, and I think the pacing suffered a bit for it. BUT. That last paragraph! Of course I can’t reveal the end, but let’s just say that a new character makes an appearance and I had to immediately go to Goodreads to find out who she was. Mayne gives us a clear lead-in to the next book, and I anticipate an excruciating wait to find out where he’s taking his story next, especially since he doesn’t wrap things up neatly at the end. This series is only going to get better, and I highly recommend jumping on board if you haven’t already.
Big thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy.
Read my reviews for the other books in the series:
The Naturalist
Looking Glass
Murder Theory This review originally appeared on Books, Bones & Buffy
February 1, 2024
This is an amazing series and I loved the twist at the very end. There is so much science and intelligence in this story. Some of this was really tough as Dr Cray spiraled into a really dark place. And since I work in a hospital the idea of a murdering medical professional is abhorrent. I know it does happen but the level of covering up in this story is just awful. I am looking forward to the upcoming team of Cray and Blackwood
August 18, 2019
Disconnected beginning. Wandering and at times incoherent middle that lacks the flair, research, and sharpness of previous installments. An epilogue that plugs for a different series. There's always one in a series that fails to excite. Hopefully this book will be the exception and not the rule for future books.
October 26, 2019
This book started slow, dragged in the second quarter, picked up in the third quarter, and then completely and utterly fell apart in the last quarter. I was expecting a lot compared to the first three books, and this definitely did not live up to that standard.
November 10, 2019
Nežinau, gal jis per greitai tas knygas rašo, gal aš per greitai vieną po kitos jas skaitau, bet ši atrodo truputį neišbaigta. Idėjos įdomios, faina matyti, kaip statistika pasitelkiama dalykų išaiškinimui, bet skirtingi siužeto etapai sujungti tokiomis kiek negrabiomis klišėmis, o galas... nežinau.
Gal pagrindinis veikėjas tikrai galėtų kiek apsiraminti, pasiimti gap year, pagyventi sau etc, o paskui būti vėl tarsi netyčia įtrauktas į kokio baisaus žudiko medžioklę. Bet panašu, kad ne - gale atrodo, kad jis įsivėlė į dar kokį didelį tarptautinį skandalą, na, tebūnie, bet gal sekančią serijos knygą praleisiu.
Nors, nepaisant šių dalykų, turiu pripažinti, kad knygą pervariau per pusdienį, tai blogai parašyta tikrai nėra.
Gal pagrindinis veikėjas tikrai galėtų kiek apsiraminti, pasiimti gap year, pagyventi sau etc, o paskui būti vėl tarsi netyčia įtrauktas į kokio baisaus žudiko medžioklę. Bet panašu, kad ne - gale atrodo, kad jis įsivėlė į dar kokį didelį tarptautinį skandalą, na, tebūnie, bet gal sekančią serijos knygą praleisiu.
Nors, nepaisant šių dalykų, turiu pripažinti, kad knygą pervariau per pusdienį, tai blogai parašyta tikrai nėra.
March 20, 2025
I loved the other books in the series and this one started off well for me but the ending didn't sit well with me and felt a bit disappointing.
October 16, 2019
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Pattern is the fourth in The Naturalist series, which follows computational biologist Dr. Theo Cray. Dr. Cray has gained notoriety as somewhat of a hobbyist in using pattern recognition to find and stop serial killers. This time Dr. Cray is on the trail of a serial killer nurse who has killed hundreds of patients and he's determined to protect any future victims. At the same time, he's dealing with his ongoing worries that the Hyde virus he was previously exposed to is lying dormant in his body, waiting to turn him into a psychopathic killer.
Due to ongoing storylines and references back to the earlier books in the series, I would recommend this book not be read as a stand-alone story. Fans of intelligent suspense/serial killer fiction will enjoy previous stories featuring Dr. Cray.
I've been hooked on this series ever since the first book and although I enjoyed this most recent entry in the saga of Dr. Cray, I found it coming up short of my high expectations. 85% of the book was outstanding and I flew through the entire thing, but the ending felt a bit rushed and lackluster. It wasn't the climactic finish that I expected. The epilogue, however, introduced an exciting possibility for the next book and I eagerly look forward to reading it.
Dark Pattern is the fourth in The Naturalist series, which follows computational biologist Dr. Theo Cray. Dr. Cray has gained notoriety as somewhat of a hobbyist in using pattern recognition to find and stop serial killers. This time Dr. Cray is on the trail of a serial killer nurse who has killed hundreds of patients and he's determined to protect any future victims. At the same time, he's dealing with his ongoing worries that the Hyde virus he was previously exposed to is lying dormant in his body, waiting to turn him into a psychopathic killer.
Due to ongoing storylines and references back to the earlier books in the series, I would recommend this book not be read as a stand-alone story. Fans of intelligent suspense/serial killer fiction will enjoy previous stories featuring Dr. Cray.
I've been hooked on this series ever since the first book and although I enjoyed this most recent entry in the saga of Dr. Cray, I found it coming up short of my high expectations. 85% of the book was outstanding and I flew through the entire thing, but the ending felt a bit rushed and lackluster. It wasn't the climactic finish that I expected. The epilogue, however, introduced an exciting possibility for the next book and I eagerly look forward to reading it.
October 23, 2019
Ingenuously original addition to this entertaining series.
October 24, 2019
Another fabulous addition to The Naturalist Series. Andrew Mayne has become an auto click author for me. His writing is smart, entertaining and always surprising. It has been a fascinating experience watching Theo Cray's character develop over these 4 books. My heart nearly broke for him in this one. I can't say I didn't see the dark spiral coming but I'm eager to see where Andrew goes with the next in this series.
October 11, 2019
An enjoyable read, but do wonder if i should have started this series from book 1. The synopsis really grabbed my attention, as i can never resist a book that features a serial killer. I really feel that i ought to read the previous three books of this series before i can make too much of a comment.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy and this is my honest review, which i have voluntarily given.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy and this is my honest review, which i have voluntarily given.
October 22, 2019
A fast, easy read, with a decent mystery. My low rating is due to the fact that I'm not connecting with the main character as the series moves forward. I loved The Naturalist, the first book in the series, and wish the character would go back to doing more biology!
August 8, 2022
The things that happened in this one really hit Theo hard. He was on track with things, yet not either. It took his mentor pointing something out to help him realize there was more and it was the more that almost did him in. Towards the end of the book Theo really needed a keeper, he was determined to find the bad guy at any cost. I'm glad that he did find the bad guy and that he was able to get the help he needed.
July 9, 2024
Dr. Theo Cray is forever innocent in my book - sometimes it takes a little crazy to match crazy!
“The more noble appearing the institution, the more prone it is to corruption, because everyone is looking the other way.”
“The more noble appearing the institution, the more prone it is to corruption, because everyone is looking the other way.”
January 25, 2024
4 star
RTC
RTC
January 7, 2023
This is why I am not a fan of a series of books. I guess I felt like he just had to put out another book so here it is. If it hadn't been written by Andrew Mayne it would have been a DNF book.
October 30, 2020
I'm sitting here looking back at my rating of 4 stars for this book wondering why in the world I rated it so highly. I finally have time to write a review, having finished this book a while ago, and honestly, all I remember is being disappointed. I perhaps should give it another listen to see if there were redeeming qualities as to why I rated it so highly. But based on what I remember, I have zero desire to reread this book. So I'm dropping my rating instead.
I LOVED the first book in this series. The 2 follow-ups were not quite as good but still kept my attention. This one started out just as good as the first- I was excited to see the author ramp up again and intrigued to see how Mayne would resolve this story. But.... it seems, he had no clue how to do that. The last several chapters of this book felt like Mayne had run out of ideas, was up against a deadline, and rather than coming up with a satisfying ending, I certainly haven't written them off yet. But the bar has definitely been lowered, and until proven otherwise, I will perhaps suggest to future readers that they stick to just the first 3 entries of Dr. Cray's storyline.
I LOVED the first book in this series. The 2 follow-ups were not quite as good but still kept my attention. This one started out just as good as the first- I was excited to see the author ramp up again and intrigued to see how Mayne would resolve this story. But.... it seems, he had no clue how to do that. The last several chapters of this book felt like Mayne had run out of ideas, was up against a deadline, and rather than coming up with a satisfying ending, I certainly haven't written them off yet. But the bar has definitely been lowered, and until proven otherwise, I will perhaps suggest to future readers that they stick to just the first 3 entries of Dr. Cray's storyline.
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