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The Touch
Jessica Kolb can kill people with her mind. She’s only done it once, to her brother—an accident, but that doesn’t assuage the guilt. She’s kept her dark secret hidden, not that anyone would believe her, anyway. But when she discovers someone with the same ability in her small Wisconsin town, she’s desperate to know more. Maybe she can finally learn why she’s been given this sinister power.
That someone is Claude Weissman, a popular local doctor. Jessica’s got a million questions, but talking to him yields no answers, only a deep revulsion that sends her running to throw up. Digging into Weissman’s past, Jessica confirms her gut was right: Weissman’s a murderer, a conman who fleeces his patients before killing them with his Touch.
While investigating, Jessica befriends the vengeful father of a girl killed by Weissman, and decides to help expose the not-so-good doctor for the monster he is. But their plan is complicated by the arrival of Freyja, a hedonistic wanderer who also possesses the Touch. Freyja might hold the clues to why the trio has been drawn together, but her presence is a distraction Jessica doesn’t need, especially with Weissman lurking in wait.
Cunning, sadistic, and able to kill without a trace, Weissman is a terrifying foe. She’ll need the Touch to beat him, but she’ll need uncommon strength to resist its seductive power.
That someone is Claude Weissman, a popular local doctor. Jessica’s got a million questions, but talking to him yields no answers, only a deep revulsion that sends her running to throw up. Digging into Weissman’s past, Jessica confirms her gut was right: Weissman’s a murderer, a conman who fleeces his patients before killing them with his Touch.
While investigating, Jessica befriends the vengeful father of a girl killed by Weissman, and decides to help expose the not-so-good doctor for the monster he is. But their plan is complicated by the arrival of Freyja, a hedonistic wanderer who also possesses the Touch. Freyja might hold the clues to why the trio has been drawn together, but her presence is a distraction Jessica doesn’t need, especially with Weissman lurking in wait.
Cunning, sadistic, and able to kill without a trace, Weissman is a terrifying foe. She’ll need the Touch to beat him, but she’ll need uncommon strength to resist its seductive power.
246 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 19, 2025
Really enjoyed THE TOUCH, which had a little bit of everything that makes for a great read. Berkowitz tactfully develops his characters while switching between multiple vibrant POVs, which keeps the story fresh throughout. The tension build and builds as the mystery unfolds, with fun action sprinkled throughout to keep the pacing exciting (without overwhelming) and a twist that genuinely shocked me. The cherry on top is Berkowitz's unique and memorable flair for prose. By the end, I couldn't put it down. It's the kind of story that, with hindsight, makes you appreciate the journeys of its characters even more upon further reflection. A wonderful debut from Berkowitz, and I'll be on the lookout for his next one.
September 26, 2020
It’s so refreshing to read a horror novel that isn’t cookie-cutter like all the others out there. Genuinely scary and masterfully written - like I said before, this isn’t your average horror novel. An absolute pleasure to read.
October 12, 2020
An astonishing horror debut that will leave you breathless. The Touch is a must read for horror fans looking to branch out beyond Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Clive Barker. Berkowitz is a talent worth following and the Touch will linger with you long after you’ve put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews