In the run-down streets of Baltimore, under the broken light of a shrouded moon, a young boy is about to commit a terrible crime. He stumbles forward, through back-alley muck. Uncaring. Unaware. Almost as if he’s sleepwalking.
Gordon Pope is the specialist the Baltimore City Police call in for hard cases involving kids. He’s a child psychiatrist with a special talent for explaining the unexplainable. Right now, the unexplainable is Ethan Barret, a twelve-year-old accused of attempted murder, who was asleep the whole time.
Officer Dana Frisco has seen just about everything during her years working the Baltimore beat, but something about Ethan’s case is different. She starts finding connections that shouldn’t be there. Between Ethan and other children. Between these kids and the underbelly of the city.
Gordon sees connections too, between Ethan and himself. Shared memories of a darkness Gordon thought he’d put behind him for good. He can only help Ethan if he faces down his own demons, and time is running out.
When kids are in danger, Frisco and Pope don’t quit. But neither does the darkness that comes at nightfall, in a city where dreams can be deadly.
B. B. Griffith writes best-selling supernatural thrillers. He is the author of the Vanished series, the Tournament series, and the Gordon Pope thrillers. He lives in Denver, CO, where he is often seen sitting on his porch staring off into the distance or wandering to and from local watering holes with his family.
The Sleepwalkers by B.B. Griffith was a good mystery read. I think I read this before but it had been awhile but I read it anyway. I don't normally re-read anything but it was good. No wonder I could figure it out, LOL. A good read, suspense, and a good mystery.
Ethan is a 12-year-old boy who is accused of trying to kill a friend ... while Ethan was asleep. Gordon Pope is a psychiatrist, who has given up treating children. Following his divorce, he lost just about everything .. his wife, his practice, his will to do anything about it.
And even as Gordon is asked to talk to Ethan and come up with a treatment plan, a young girl goes missing ... a friend of Ethan's. She is also sleepwalking. Luckily she has come to no harm.
And then Gordon's phone starts to ring .. and ring ... and ring. It's a epidemic of sleepwalking that is affecting all the young people.
Gordon begins investigating and comes to see that if he can't stop this epidemic, the outcome will be disastrous for everyone.
The story covered the uniqueness of sleepwalking very well. There were a couple of areas that I got lost in the workings of the brain.. the medical aspect was a bit over my head. I loved the characters. I felt so much for Ethan, who tied himself to the bed every night so as not to sleepwalk and hurt his parents. Dr. Pope is a sad man who has very little self-confidence left, but he does care for these kids. Police Officer Dana has her own problems with her supervisor, but she bends over backwards to help Gordon ... and puts her job on the line.
As an insomniac, I found this book to be be entertaining and compelling.
My thanks to the author / Kindle Scout who provided a digital copy. I am happy to say that THE SLEEPWALKERS was one of the books I nominated. Although not mandatory, I am pleased to write an honest, unbiased review.
The Sleepwalkers was a great one-day read. The subject matter was intriguing and the author wrote a book with a deft touch about sleepwalking and what happens when it can have serious repercussions.
The characters and plot were very engaging and I could not put my book down because I had to know what would happen next.
I was intrigued by the premise of THE SLEEPWALKERS by B.B. Griffith, that a sleepwalking epidemic is occurring in Baltimore and only a washed up psychiatrist named Gordon Pope might have a way to cure a the problem before it escalates. B. B. Griffith jumps right into the story, introducing the main two characters, psychiatrist Gordon Pope and Ethan, a twelve year old boy with an extreme sleepwalking problem who attempted to strangle and kill another boy. Gordon Pope is immediately likable, a man struggling to move on from his past in many ways and not doing a very good job of it, and yet he has a hopeful, although tainted, spirit that figures life will turn around for him. Griffith does a good job of writing just enough back story for all of the prominent characters and letting there actions complete the picture of who they are. The story moves faster and faster as one reads, with some exciting and suspenseful action sequences. There is a satisfying conclusion and a tease for could be another story involving Dr. Pope. On another note, the science behind the sleepwalking is fascinating and seemingly possible, at least to a non-science mind like mine. THE SLEEPWALKERS is quick, fun read that I inhaled in just a couple of days. I think it could be turned into a movie (it's certainly better than a lot of the recent suspense/thriller junk that has been released recently). I am now interested in reading B.B. Griffith's other works and I am looking forward to a possible next story involving Dr. Gordon Pope and company. I received a copy of this book as part of the Kindle Scout program.
This story was an unexpected delight. The beginning is not fast-paced (which I don't mind), although the tension does build toward the latter part of the story; it's more character-driven and of a psychological nature. It's as much a look at the life of the psychologist as it is about the children he treats. The psychological insights into the brain and sleep made the book stand out of the ordinary.
But it's more than that. The writing is superb, with phrases that delight the tongue and mind. It's a book of intellect and a book about relationships as a psychologist fights to save a boy from an insane asylum for a vicious attack.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
What a load of hog wash, as my grandad used to say. The main character, a mental health professional no less, is an idiot. He trashed both his marriage and career over a diagnosis that isn’t even close to life-threatening. There is much more to hate about this book, but I can’t even
It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a story this much.
Gordon Pope is a beautifully written, complex protagonist. Although he's an expert in his field, he carries with him some serious emotional baggage which makes him doubt himself and his abilities. When he's forced to confront that baggage head-on, he grows and becomes more confident. A growth which seems natural and logical, not forced to happen just because the plot requires it.
The story also seems to be fairly well researched. In my younger years, I had a passing obsession with the fields of sleep science, the limbic system, and lucid dreaming, and many of the concepts presented seemed familiar to me. It was actually quite nostalgic... although I'm sure a real-life expert in those fields would pick lots of holes in the story; it's always more complicated than fiction tries to present (something I know all too well as a software developer, who gets frustrated reading some descriptions of tech in fiction).
Although this book is the first in a series, and I don't often read series, it's still a complete story. Right at the very end, there's a scene that looks like it's going to lead into the next instalment, but there are no cliffhangers. It actually reminds me a bit of James Bond movies. This also means that I'm pretty sure if you read the second book in the series, without ever reading this one, you won't be missing anything. I hate cliffhangers, so that's something I really appreciate.
If you're into psychology or have an interest in how and why we sleep, I strongly recommend you read this story.
Hoped it would be better. 3/4 was good...then it was so muddy I wasn’t sure what was real and what was the dream. Way too technical.... maybe a movie would translate better. I’d revisit the Gordon Pope character for one more chance....
It started off interestingly, but the dialogue is crap and I lost interest 2/3rds of the way through. Don’t think I’ll be picking up any more ‘Gordon Pope Mysteries’.
Well, this was ticking on nicely but then suddenly headed off into the realms of fantasy for me and I gave up on it at 61%. It had hovered for a few chapters but he kept it just this side of believable but once he got too philosophical and fanciful it wasn't for me. A great pity. There were hardly any errors, either and the writing is good so I'm doubly disappointed. Smuggler's den I'd have written as smugglers' as there wouldn't have only been one of them and I'd also have added one for couples therapy, too but that was it for mistakes. Pretty impressive. I loved the character of Gordon's mum, I thought she was terrific. If he'd not got quite as deeply into the dreaming process and taken it in the direction he did I'd have been sold. Perhaps I'll give him another go with a differing storyline as the main ingredients are all there.
I attempted to read "The Sleepwalkers" by B.B. Griffith, but sadly, I couldn't bring myself to finish it. I suppose it might appeal to someone who enjoys a total lack of suspense and substance. The storyline seemed to be sleepwalking itself, plodding along with a remarkable consistency in being unengaging.
The characters were boring. They all seemed to blend into one monotonous blur, each as boring as the next. Special mention goes to the 12-year-old Ethan, who talks like an adult. It’s quite something when a child character is the most unrealistic part of a book about sleepwalking.
Perhaps there's an audience out there who appreciates a book that can be described as straight-up trash. If you’re looking for a good read, this isn’t it. However, if you need a cure for insomnia, this might be your perfect match.
Gordon Pope is a failing psychiatrist. He works as a “for hire” for various attorneys in the Baltimore area for scotch money. His ex-wife is an esteemed and published psychiatrist residing in San Diego. Gordon calls her, much to the dismay of her husband, whenever things get bad for him. He is called in to testify at the trial of Ethan Barrett, who is charged with attempting to strangle a friend. When Gordon gets to Court he learns Ethan is a 12 year old boy. He gets pulled into the case even more when Ethan’s case is continued for a month. Gordon looks back into his preadolescence because he sees similarities. Ethan and, we learn, many other children of the same age are sleepwalking and Gordon works to determine why and a course of therapy that can cure it. This is a remarkable and frequently disturbing novel that drags the reader into a primitive world of mental disturbance and total loss of self. It is well done and gripping. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
I enjoyed this story about a child psychiatrist who suffers from such a debilitating lack of confidence that he refuses to treat children -- until he is called as an expert witness for a case that strikes close to home and heart. It was fun seeing the character turn his life around as he re-engaged with his expertise. As a fan of "The Exorcist," there were moments in the story that were wonderfully creepy and unsettling, and these did get me to keep turning the pages to find out more about this medical mystery. As someone who worked in neuroscience biomarkers, the brain science wrapped up in the mystery was kind of a stretch, but the story was so good that I was able to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride.
I stumbled across The Sleepwalkers and I found myself completely engrossed in it after just a few pages. I couldn't put it down - in part because I was a little spooked and had to know how it ended. The book was easy to read, the storyline was fresh (to me, at least), and the characters were well-developed and engaging. I usually reserve 5 star ratings for classics, but I would definitely put this book near the top of its genre.
Highly recommended. Read in 1 day, couldn't put it down. Good characters, great story. Hope to read more from this author. Would love to read another story about this main character. Giving it 4 stars only because I believe The Stand and Gunslingers series merit 5 stars ;).
A fictionalized dissection of the power of the limbic section of the brain. Interesting read, especially for those interested in the mind/body relationship.
Very well written, a familiar theme of a professional man bowing under the weight of disappointment and his sensitive nature. This book manages to make the somewhat dry and intuitive theories of psychology,as well as science of sleep, into a very engrossing read.
Get ready to wrap your mind around what the mind can DO, as well as what a REAL writer/Author can do as well!! There are so many levels in this book, and of the plot, and sub plots, sending the reader of The Sleep Walkers (Gordon Pope #1), any where but to sleeping!! Touching story on bringing some back from the brink, but so much more than that too. Brilliant mind of a doctor, heartaches of parents losses, limited black and white type mindsets of cops, who because they are hammers, everything they see looks to them like a nail, takes the reader to unknown worlds in some minds, who...OOPS no SPOILERS. NONE. This story is too beautiful to ruin it for readers. Suffice it to say Author B.B. Griffith more than adequately weaves a story to NOT be missed. Author B.B. Griffith KNOWS how to tell a story too!! Captured my readers mind, and kept it in his VERY astute writing hands to the end. He leaves nothing out of his stories. Great beginning, middle, and end. Very thought provoking, moves a very nice pace, then amps up the action which puts the reader on the edge of their seat type reading. I am so pleased I found Author B.B. Griffith!! What a beautiful, adept story teller!! I URGE you to get The Sleep Walkers for a thrilling and fulfilling read, as you find yourself in a very capable Author’s writing hands.
I pretty much read this in one sitting. I am a therapist, so I am almost always interested in psychological thrillers/mysteries. It is not written in first person, which I much prefer and think makes for a better story. This is a series based on Gordon Pope, a former child psychiatrist who is in pretty rough mental health shape himself. He basically works enough to afford his alcohol of choice. His wife, who had also been his business partner, divorced him 5 years ago for another man. We eventually find out that she left him because he was sterile, and she wanted a child. This is a big issue for him, because he would also like a child of his own. He still has her name on the sign, but only treats adults now. He also calls her a lot, especially considering how long they have been apart. He ends up with a 12 year old client after being tricked into testifying on the boy's behalf as an expert witness. The boy is accused of almost killing a peer during a sleepwalking episode. This could have been a much better book if it did not derail so badly during the last quarter or so of the story. It did compel me enough to finish it in a day and start on the 2nd in the series immediately.
Nice change of pace...or perspective (something like that)!
I enjoyed lots about this book. The plot and resolution were unique and intriguing to me, which was refreshing! I also liked the main character. His self awareness was refreshing compared to the hero types that tend to run at danger with abandon or get themselves in trouble for no good reason. Don't get me wrong. I like that type of action, but I'm a bit weary of plain stupidity and dumb luck when it comes to solving mysteries. This guy, Pope, was clearly tired of the rut that was his life, questioned his impulses and made choices aware of the risks and benefits. A few of the other characters began to round out later in the story, but will need some development, assuming there's more to come. If not, they did a fair enough job supporting.
I'd recommend this book to folks who might like a bit of psychobabble mixed with their mystery! (It's well placed and not at all overwhelming.) All in all I thought it was a good story. Read it in one sitting (a long car ride)!
This was a bit of a slow burner, it took me a little while to get into it, but when I did I thoroughly enjoyed it. The premise, a sleep-walking 12 year old whose brain is turning on him, was certainly different. At times I was fairly sceptical with where the author was trying to take the story, I couldn't always figure out if it was meant to be a crime novel, supernatural story, horror or even a medical mystery, but as it played out I found myself getting further into the story, and really rooting for the main protagonist Dr Pope. Not your usual hero figure, Gordon Pope is introduced to us as rather a sad figure, locked and lost in the past. Griffith's development of the character is one of my favourite aspects of the book. In fact, Griffith's has really sparked my curiosity and will quite likely lead to me doing a bit more reading on sleepwalking and parasomnia episodes in general. I will look out for the next book in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Reminds me Harlan Coben’s writing style and that alone speaks volumes for me. I’m excited to read the rest of the Gordon Pope’s series.
Gordon was done with child psychiatry. Since his breakup, he only dealt with marriage counseling. As guy-wrenching as that was. He should have know that he was in trouble when the DA asked for his help; offering him $300 and vague information. Seeing the child’s eyes drudged up old memories. Memories he hoped to never deal with again.
Dana, an officer with the Baltimore police delirarme was his only sanity sounding board. For some reason, unbeknownst to Gordon, she believed in him and his abilities -especially with children. It was those same abilities that helped then find Erica, another child that wandered while sleepwalking. Could there be a connection between her story and the 12-year old boy who’s being convicted of attacking a schoolmate? If so, what?
An intelligent, insight-filled and mesmerizing mystery! Griffith draws professionals as characters who live in the reader's mind the moment they appear and long after this story of sleepwalkers and their connection to the decline of our civilization ends. There is tension, mystery and some violence enough for any reader, but Griffith makes a larger point that cannot be ignored: how our children wake up can revert back on those of us who have allowed the decline in our society. There is much to learn about the nature of sleep and its physical effects, as well. Overall, Griffith teaches, preaches (subtly) and winds a yarn that is hard, if not impossible to put down!