Don't Look In

by Tom Saric

Psychiatrist Gus Young didn’t always see patients in the back of a hardware store. Before he came to rural Maine, he was a man with a past—past successes, past scandals... and past enemies.

Now he lives in the woods, struggling with his memory, trying to reconcile with what little family he has left, and learning the secrets of his neighbors. One of those secrets is getting people killed.

When Wanda Flynn turns up dead, the police are interested in a number of Gus’s patients. Gus himself has suspicions, but when the evidence starts pointing in his direction he must discover who would have killed the troubled young woman, and do it without breaking the confidentiality of his practice.

His investigations will take him into the dark underbelly of the otherwise sleepy town, into his own past failings, and into the brutal path of revenge.

Genres: Thriller

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2020

About the author

Tom Saric lives on the East Coast and writes crime thrillers. His first book, Indicted, was released in early 2019, followed by Compromised. Don't Look In, the first book in a new series featuring Dr. Gus Young will be released October 6, 2020. It is available for pre-order now.

In addition to Goodreads, please connect with Tom:

on Facebook

or Instagram @tomsaricauthor

or at tomsaric.com

Reviews

[Cynthia Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is an eerie feeling from the very first page of “Don’t Look In” by author Tom Saric, a palpable sense that something sinister in lurking just out of sight. And in fact, there is.

After that ominous prologue, the story is told first-person by Gus Young, a psychiatrist living in a small town in rural Maine. He was once very highly-regarded and seemed destined for an illustrious career. But his gambling addiction stripped him of his family and his promising future. Doctor, heal thyself. Tail between his legs, he moved away from his past and set up a practice in a utility closet in the local hardware store.

Despite his reduced circumstances and the small local population, Gus finds plenty of folks in need of his psychiatric care. And to his credit, he has a creed as sacred to him as life itself: he will never divulge a patient’s confidences.

This credo becomes a double-edged sword, one he finds held to his own neck as dead bodies pile up and all the evidence points to him. Whatever faults he has, he will never betray his patients. This leaves him no choice but to find out who is trying to destroy his life, giving us a story full of twists, drama and tense intrigue.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A psychological thriller that is heart pumping and delightfully entertaining! A "has been" previously famous psychologist who once earned big bucks for testifying for/against those with mental issues in court cases took a long hard fall to an obscure town where he now "sees" patients in the utility room of the local hardware store finds his world once again turned upside down when it appears that someone is not only targeting his patients for death, but setting him up to take the fall. Intriguing characters entwined with an interesting plot makes for an entertaining read. While it quickly becomes clear who is behind the plot, it doesn't interfere with the entertainment of watching the story unfold so the characters also get "clued" in on the true guilty party or is it parties??? Read it and see! I am intrigued to see where the characters go and how they grow in the future.

[Jypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Iread Book Tours for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Don't Look In
Gus Young Thrillers Book 1
By: Tom Saric


REVIEW ☆☆☆☆

Don't Look In by Tom Saric introduces Gus Young, a fallen out of favor into shame, hero. The events which led to Gus now living in rural Maine are revealed as the story progresses. A once renowned psychiatrist, Gus practices out of what is, basically, a big closet in back of a hardware store.

The cast of the story are a colorful crew. There are plenty of patients in this town with interesting issues for Gus to treat. But, when a patient or two turns up dead, Gus is a prime suspect. Declaring his innocence, Gus must find the killer before someone else dies. Who would frame him and why? Is Gus the next victim?

The further I read, the more jumbled my suspicions became. Saric expertly confuses the reader so that answers are not obvious, and suspects multiply. Several twists and turns come out of nowhere, making this an exciting riveting read. This is my first Tom Saric novel, and I hope to read more in the future. Check it out!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read. This thriller will have you gripped and wondering what will happen next. Ready for more.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb does a very good job of providing an introduction to the storyline. The book is well written and once it gets rolling it holds your interest. At times I found myself getting irritated with Gus. He often ignores dealing with his own issues, he’s quick to jump to conclusions, he acts without thinking things through and he doesn’t always listen. Being a psychiatrist he’s in the business of listening and yet he’s frequently cutting people off and not listening to what they are trying to tell him. This creates problems for him because his assumptions of what they are trying to say isn’t always correct. I also would have liked to have a bit more depth to the villains and their motivation for their actions.

You don’t always need to like all of the characters (even a main one) to enjoy the story. Ultimately this was a good read.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS A CHILLING STORY FILLED WITH DEVIOUS, POIGNANT AND TRAGIC CHARACTERS WOVEN INTO AN INFORMATIVE AND ACTION-PACKED BOOK. THOUGHT-PROVOKING AND UNIQUELY UNEXPECTED.
RECOMMENDED
AN ARC BOOK, THIS IS MY HONEST AND FREELY GIVEN REVIEW.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book, all opinions are my own.,

Wow! I loved every moment of this incredible book, it was suspenseful, exciting and kept me constantly guessing and on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

Gus is an amazing psychiatrist, going above and beyond to build trust, respect and open communication with his patients. He offers no judgement and I loved his honesty, frankness and caring nature to his patients. He is deeply involved with them (and is part of the reason for the breakdown of his marriage and relationship with his daughter) and honours the confidentiality agreement he makes with them. And this is where he gets himself in trouble when not one but two of his clients end up dead, and he becomes the main suspect.

Gus is determined to help solve the murders, not solely to clear his own name, but to help bring peace to his own mind for his patients. What begins to develop is this incredible plot that spans many years and includes a previous patient that he had treated. It is the connection between his patients and him that leaves you wondering why – why would someone try to frame him for murder? Why would anyone murder these patients that do not seem to be connected at all? What is the catalyst for this?

What I loved the most in this novel was that I never knew what was coming next. Right when I thought I had solved who had committed the murders, my theory was thrown right out the window. The story was fast paced but well developed and gave you just the right information at just the right time. Don’t Look In is a definite must read novel that you will not be able to put down.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Look In is my first introduction to the talents of Tom Saric. It is, also, the beginning to his Gus Young Thrillers series. After reading this one, I believe I have become an instant fan of his work. This book was awesome! It has a lot that I love to read in a book. Which includes: action packed adventure, heart stopping danger, and suspense filled mystery. It had quite a few twists and turns that had me feeling like I was on an exciting roller coaster. I was captivated from the start and my attention was held all the way to the end. I was constantly staying on the edge of my seat. I was left hanging as to how it would all end up until the last few pages. It was great getting to know Guy Young and I really enjoyed his character. I thought he was entertaining. I, also, loved the beautiful town in Maine.

I am giving Don’t Look In a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy to read thrilling reads. They will not be disappointed. I can not wait to get my hands on the next installment from Guy Young Thrillers series, Believe In Me, to find out where else Tom Saric takes his readers to next. I have got to find out what kind of danger Guy Young finds himself in, as well.

I received Don’t Look In from the publisher. The review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Gayle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have read in awhile. The story grabbed me right away. Very suspenseful and edgy. Gus is damaged. He is trying to lead a quiet life in this small town yet help people who need help. Gus seems to be having some memory problems though but he tries to cover this. When a patient, Wanda is found murdered, some things point to him, but he is sure he was not at her house, or was he? He doubts his memory. As the police seem more and more interested in him, he decides he needs to find out who killed Wanda himself. The key may be in his files and another patient. Fast paced, quick read. The ending was fantastic! I cannot wait for book 2.
I received an ARC and voluntarily provided this review.

[Danielle Amor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Was Such A Fantastic Psychological thriller. It Was Jam Packed With Suspense, An Absolute Page Turner And Page Upon Page Of Twists And Turns.

I Did Not See The Ending At All, Even As It Was Unfolding I Couldn’t Believe It.

The Characters Were Believable, The Story Was Heavy But Well Detailed. I Am Looking Forward To More From This Series. I Really Like Tom Saric’s Style Of Writing So Am Interested auto Read Some Of His Other Books.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Look In is my first book by author Tom Saric. I enjoyed this fast-paced, action packed thriller. Gus Young just can’t keep himself out of trouble. It seems like everywhere he goes he runs straight into where the action is. Was he really the one murdering all of these people? Is someone setting him up? This is what kept me turning the pages, and fast I’ll say, because I am in a hurry to see what is really going on and who is definitely the one who is taking the lives of these people.

There are a lot of twists and turns here in this story, and just as I thought I knew who the culprit was, another twist turns up and I am back where I started. As it was, it was almost the ending before I had a clue as to whodunnit!! I was truly intrigued by this nail biting thriller that had me on the edge of my seat throughout most of this read. And this is just the first book in the series. Just imagine what we are in for in the next book. If you love yourself a good thriller, make this one your choice!! I give this one four stars!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Randi Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gus Young was once a successful psychiatrist and court expert in Boston until his gambling addiction cost him his savings, his job, his marriage, and his family. Now he lives in a cabin in rural Maine and practices psychiatry out of a utility room/closet in the back of Buck's Hardware. Sounds like the premise for a sitcom but this book is a well-developed thriller with a tangled plot that will keep you guessing. Gus is a complex and flawed hero. You know he must be smart but at first he doesn't seem so.He is having trouble remembering, he jumps to conclusions, he doesn't listen when others try to help him. He is plugging along until his cabin burns and then one of his patients is found dead. Then suspicion falls on him. Will he figure out what is going on before it is too late? There are a lot of characters including Sheila who runs Buck's Hardware and is Gus's secretary, Herman his colorful neighbor, Renee the local pharmacist and Gus's new girlfriend, plus a supporting cast of patients and bad guys, and of course his dog Anna. The ones that need to be developed are. After a bit of a slow start the plot moves along at a fast pace and there are several surprising twists. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this exciting mystery, from its slow build in the beginning chapters to its surprising but satisfying conclusion. The main character Gus was both complex and flawed, but very likable. He seemed to be quite knowledgeable about analyzing people and their various personality disorders, but he was “a hot mess” in his own personal life. He was a good example to me of someone who was extremely intelligent, but didn’t always make smart choices for himself and his family and friends. I found myself really rooting for him to pull himself together and figure things out though. The book had quite a cast of colorful supporting characters, but at times I had trouble remembering and keeping them all straight as the action progressed. That however didn’t take away from my enjoyment of, and immersion in, the story. This is my first read by Mr. Saric, and I’m very glad that I was introduced to his writing. I will certainly be looking forward to reading more of his books in the future. I received an advanced copy of this book, and have given my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

This is my third book authored by Tom Saric that I've read, and I must say, while I enjoyed his previous two, I LOVED this book. I felt like there was a stronger connection to the character - and maybe because elements of the character - perhaps Gus' job - mirror his own. At any rate, it's a winner for me.

What I love about Tom's books is that he does not shy away from creating a flawed protagonist. Sure, that means as a reader, I get mad at the choices Gus made, but having a perfect protagonist who can do anything at any given time is far more maddening. Gus' flaws not only create a dynamic character, but it means there's room to grow in a series that this book helms. I often found myself comparing this book to a Greg Iles' book I read at the beginning of the year. What frustrates me about Iles is his inability to write women well, but Saric, while the majority of the characters are men, doesn't seem to have the same problem. The women in Saric's books have agency, nor are they props. Perhaps that is inconsequential for some readers, and fair enough, but I definitely appreciate that, especially in a crime thriller genre.

The books is fast paced (I think I read it in only 2 or 3 sittings), and it's laid out well to keep you guessing until the end. I grew up in a small town, and I couldn't help but place my memories of that place into the description of the town. Maybe people will scoff at a psychiatrist meeting people in the back of a hardware store, but we rented movies from the Home Hardware in my town, so it didn't really seem all that off to me! Things are different in a small town than they are in a city, and compounded when it's rural, and I think that's captured really well here in Don't Look In.

I do hope it doesn't turn into a Midsomer Murders thing - where everyone is guilty of something, and in 21 seasons, I don't know how anyone is left alive or out of jail, but I am looking forward to following more Gus Young books.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Saric’s inaugural story in the Gus Young Thrillers was somewhat misleading in the beginning. It was very much like a great roller-coaster ride the starts off by lulling you into a comfortable state of mind and suddenly drops you four stories in to a sharp 180 turn. Once the story takes off, it is non-stop action and misdirection that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you consume page after page trying to figure out who is after Gus and why. I can’t wait to see what the next Gus Young story might have in store for this character who has a number of character flaws, yet is pretty likeable. I received and Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

2020 is a “Read New Stuff” year for me. Not a snazzy phrase, but it gets the point across. I’ve expanded into a few new-to-me genres for the last eleven months. I previously wasn’t a thriller or mystery reader, and now I’m beginning to wonder why…

Don’t Look In grabs me immediately. First lines are so important. I want something either clever, funny, shocking, or unexpected to lure me in, as it did in this case with the following first line(s) of the prologue:

It was an unusual time of day for a killing. Murders were nighttime events, preferably in the rain, ideally in a thunderstorm. Not at noontime in the dead of summer, with the sun viciously beating down. Noon was for a quiet lunch in an air-conditioned kitchen, with a bowl of tomato soup and a slice of sourdough.

Psychiatrist Gus is a candid and caring individual with a sense of purpose and a knack for sticky situations. It is easy to connect with him. I love his interactions with his patients and how he sticks to his ethical views. He truly is an unforgettable character.

With so many twists, my head is still spinning. I love that nothing is obvious, my suspicions are often wrong, surprises are around every corner, and I didn’t know ‘whodunnit’ until the author was good and ready to reveal it.

Full characters, smart writing, a so-called sleepy town setting, and a satisfying resolution. All I hoped for. Looking forward to book 2!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the iRead Book Tours.

[Marilyn Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a psychiatrist writes a thriller featuring a flawed psychiatrist as the lead character, you know it's going to be an interesting read. In fact, there are a slew of interesting characters, several mentally ill, that inhabit this tale.

The story builds from several small hints of something wrong tucked in here and there as we follow Gus Young moving through his new life in a small town. The plot slowly reveals clues as we walk beside him - a dark secret, a mental fog where he once had clear recall, a small fire in his home (did he forget a tea kettle on the stove), a patient's murder, a missing gun from his collection, a second murder. Slowly a sinister pattern begins to emerge and the evidence begins to mount against the psychiatrist in the two murders, despite his self-declared innocence. And as this story progresses, we learn the back ground of why Young left the big city in disgrace and why his family has cut ties.

This is a complicated tale, well written, with twists as the conclusion neared that I didn't see coming - AHA moments that shed a light on what had been happening in the background. Piece by piece these tidbits begin tying in the loose threads until the picture finally becomes clear. A great read that offers suspense, danger and several surprises

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing I love more than a well written “who done it” that confuses me, pulls me, and wants me wishing I could crawl back in bed to read instead of go on about my normal day!

The book opens up – grabbing you by the collar and yanking you in – with a scene from… something. I’m not going to lie; it confused me. I wasn’t sure what was happening and after reading a little further into the beginning, I realized I had zero clue.

And would continue to have zero clue until the author wanted me to have one!

Being a psych major myself, I immediately related to Gus, but things weren’t all adding up for me. Someone so infamous (I am still not 100% sure what led to his downfall precisely) now having issues that could not only jeopardize his job, but his license.

As we follow Gus, we find more things that just don’t add up with an occasional sprinkling of a side situation that doesn’t quite fit with our characters, the situation, or anything else happening in the story. It almost felt like picking up someone’s phone call through your baby monitor. It just didn’t fit, but deep down, you know it all links together – you just don’t know how. Yet.

A little bragging – I had one (yes, only one) part of the puzzle… partially correct. (I had a suspect who was a suspect, but not in the way I thought they were.) And then, just when you think you have it all figured out, this bomb gets thrown in and you are taken on a whole other trip that has an even bigger bomb (which, a part of me started to suspect, but I didn’t really think it was accurate!)

I enjoyed this read so much. I will definitely be seeking more mystery reads from this author because this was one of the best mystery books I have read in quite a while. There are not many mystery authors that can keep me engaged, wanting to say “forget life” so I can read, and keep me guessing an entire book so when I find them; they are like a rare diamond to me!

If you are a fan of mysteries and a really good “who done its” that keep you guessing; Don’t Look In is definitely a book to pick up. You won’t be sorry.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gus Young is living in rural Maine. He's known both success and failure. Now he just wants peace and to reconcile with his daughter, but life throws him a curve. His memory is failing him which is a real problem for a psychiatrist. More trouble is yet to come. Wanda, a patient, is murdered and the evidence points to Gus as her killer. Who is doing this? He needs to find out soon before more people die. Tom Saric has written a gripping thriller filled with unexpected twists. Gus might not survive this deadly adversary. This small town has dark secrets and Gus can never reveal what his patients have told him. Even when his life depends on it. Don't Look In is a wild ride that left me breathless.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gus is a psychiatrist that keeps a low profile. He is having trouble remembering when he always had a sharp mind. Two of his patients are shot and killed. The police are looking at Gus as a suspect. Gus investigates on his own and puts his daughter in danger. This is a well written and suspenseful novel. The author grabs your interest from the beginning. There is a thrilling conclusion.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychiatrist, Gus Young, keeps his patients secrets; one of those secrets is deadly. Once I started reading this powerful novel, I didn’t want to put it down! I didn’t want it to end, either. The writing is very skillful, with a nice twisty plot and believable, well-developed characters. Highly recommended! I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Look In (Gus Young Thrillers, #1), my first read from author Tom Saric, who weaves a captivating tale. I don't restrict myself to a particular genre. I'm a sucker for anything with memorable characters and a story that keeps me guessing. The perfect novel? A book that keeps me turning the page long after I should have called it a night. This was a well-written book, I'll definitely read more from this author. I was given a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this thriller. I think it started off slow but built to a nail-biter. This story had an amazing blend of action, mystery and psychological suspense. Looking forward to more from this author. I received this book as an arc and this is my honest review.

[Marian Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Great writing skills, I feel in love with the characters, I loved the suspense and didn't see this ending coming!

[Joan Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twist and turns and kept me on the edge of my seat till the very end! Excellent read,excellent author.

[Scott Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing Psychological Thriller


Meet Dr Gus Young. Former renowned psychiatrist and criminal profiler who had fallen on hard times as a result of one mistaken profile that put a killer back on the street, he now lives alone in the backwoods of the Northeastern USA. He sees patients halftime in a cramped office in the back of a town store. Two of his patients end up dead and he is framed for their murders. Figuring out who the villain is takes him on a long and rocky path that almost ends in the deaths of people he loves.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good escapes!
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2020
I read all the stories in this anthology and enjoyed each one. Each author brought great characters and situations to this set. The stories were well written and easy to read quickly. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you get this book to read, be careful, it gets you hooked and you remain glued to your seat until you finish it! It´s a very well constructed plot with more twists and turns that one can imagine, and that´s the beauty of it. One crime keeps leading to another and incriminating more and more the main character. It´s first class entertainment!
This is a new author for me and I´ll make sure to keep on looking for new titles by him.
I received a free copy of this book from the author´s publishing company and this is my unbiased review.

[Diane Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gus Young

I admit I had a little trouble getting going in this one but I stuck with it and thoroughly enjoyed it and will be ordering the next one.

[Vic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. It starts off slow but then sucks you in. Strange but worth the read. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.