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Alan Gregory #9
The Program
The Program safeguards the truth, but when The Program has a hidden agenda, the protected become the hunted
With his nuanced psychological insight, inscrutable plotting, and a captivating lead character that parallels Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware, Stephen White's Alan Gregory novels have become perennial national bestsellers. But, with The Program, White has challenged himself and honed his craft with remarkable assurance to create a rare breed of thriller. A dazzling mix of first-person and omniscient voices rewards readers with an irresistible narrative momentum. But the heart and soul of the novel is an indomitable woman reevaluating the seemingly innocuous choices she's made in the past while confronting the horrifying circumstances that threaten her family's future survival.
"Every precious thing I lose, you will lose two." The Program begins with a condemned man's last words to New Orleans District Attorney Kirsten Lord. After her husband is gunned down in front of her, Lord has no choice but to flee the wrath of the murderer's vengeance. Lord pulls up stakes, changes her name, and accepts the Witness Protection Program's offer to hide her and her young daughter in Boulder, Colorado. Soon thereafter, they are befriended by Program veteran Carl Luppo, a solitary mob assassin tormented by his former life who has nothing but time for regret.
Sensing that someone inside the program has compromised Lord and her daughter's safety, Luppo takes on the role of sentinel, fully realizing that this may be his last shot at redemption. Even though Lord suspects that Luppo's warnings about the Program's dark side are justified and that she should believe the former hit man's instincts, the only people she can really trust are her nine-year-old daughter and perhaps her Program-appointed psychologist Alan Gregory.
With his nuanced psychological insight, inscrutable plotting, and a captivating lead character that parallels Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware, Stephen White's Alan Gregory novels have become perennial national bestsellers. But, with The Program, White has challenged himself and honed his craft with remarkable assurance to create a rare breed of thriller. A dazzling mix of first-person and omniscient voices rewards readers with an irresistible narrative momentum. But the heart and soul of the novel is an indomitable woman reevaluating the seemingly innocuous choices she's made in the past while confronting the horrifying circumstances that threaten her family's future survival.
"Every precious thing I lose, you will lose two." The Program begins with a condemned man's last words to New Orleans District Attorney Kirsten Lord. After her husband is gunned down in front of her, Lord has no choice but to flee the wrath of the murderer's vengeance. Lord pulls up stakes, changes her name, and accepts the Witness Protection Program's offer to hide her and her young daughter in Boulder, Colorado. Soon thereafter, they are befriended by Program veteran Carl Luppo, a solitary mob assassin tormented by his former life who has nothing but time for regret.
Sensing that someone inside the program has compromised Lord and her daughter's safety, Luppo takes on the role of sentinel, fully realizing that this may be his last shot at redemption. Even though Lord suspects that Luppo's warnings about the Program's dark side are justified and that she should believe the former hit man's instincts, the only people she can really trust are her nine-year-old daughter and perhaps her Program-appointed psychologist Alan Gregory.
482 pages, ebook
First published February 20, 2001
177 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Stephen White
285 books569 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Stephen White is the author of the New York Times bestselling Alan Gregory novels. In his books, he draws upon over fifteen years of clinical practice as a psychologist to create intriguing plots and complex, believable characters.
Born on Long Island, White grew up in New York, New Jersey, and Southern California and attended the University of California campuses at Irvine (where he lasted three weeks as a creative writing major) and Los Angeles before graduating from Berkeley in 1972. Along the way he learned to fly small planes, worked as a tour guide at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, cooked and waited tables at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, and tended bar at the Red Lion Inn in Boulder. Trained as a clinical psychologist, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in 1979 and became known as an authority on the psychological effects of marital disruption, especially on men. White's research has appeared in Psychological Bulletin and other professional journals and books. After receiving his doctorate, White not only worked in private practice but also at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and later as a staff psychologist at The Children's Hospital in Denver, where he focused his attention on pediatric cancer patients. During those years he became acquainted with a colleague in Los Angeles, another pediatric psychologist named Jonathan Kellerman. At the time, Kellerman and White were two of only about a dozen psychologists in the country working in pediatric oncology.
Series:
* Alan Gregory
Stephen White is the author of the New York Times bestselling Alan Gregory novels. In his books, he draws upon over fifteen years of clinical practice as a psychologist to create intriguing plots and complex, believable characters.
Born on Long Island, White grew up in New York, New Jersey, and Southern California and attended the University of California campuses at Irvine (where he lasted three weeks as a creative writing major) and Los Angeles before graduating from Berkeley in 1972. Along the way he learned to fly small planes, worked as a tour guide at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, cooked and waited tables at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, and tended bar at the Red Lion Inn in Boulder. Trained as a clinical psychologist, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in 1979 and became known as an authority on the psychological effects of marital disruption, especially on men. White's research has appeared in Psychological Bulletin and other professional journals and books. After receiving his doctorate, White not only worked in private practice but also at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and later as a staff psychologist at The Children's Hospital in Denver, where he focused his attention on pediatric cancer patients. During those years he became acquainted with a colleague in Los Angeles, another pediatric psychologist named Jonathan Kellerman. At the time, Kellerman and White were two of only about a dozen psychologists in the country working in pediatric oncology.
Series:
* Alan Gregory
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
June 27, 2012
I have to say this has been the best Alan Gregory book I have read so far. I don't give out five stars often, especially when I have read 10 books in the series so far. I think the most interesting thing about this book is it was written from the point of view of another character and not that of Alan Gregory. I think that is what I like about Stephen White's writing of this series is that he does change it up from time to time and keeps his characters and his stories interesting. I am a huge fan of the recently ended TV Show In Plain Sight about the Witness Security Program, WITSEC for short. So when I saw this book was about that, I had some preconceived notions of what the marshalls were like and their witnesses. Boy, was I in for another view of this "sainted" program. The book makes you wonder who the good guys really are and that when a knight in shining armor comes to your rescue, he may be a bit of a wiseguy.
August 30, 2019
Being the therapist of a woman in witness protection brings a whole lot of trouble for Alan and his wife.
June 12, 2024
Returning to re-read Stephen White’s great thriller collection after a number of years, this summer binge should be a great adventure. White explores another unique perspective in this novel, in which Dr. Alan Gregory takes less than a central role once more. DA Kirsten Lord has never shied away from a difficult case in New Orleans. However, after convicting a member of the mob, he utters a threat and soon Kirsten’s husband is murdered in front of her. Scrambling to stay alive and keep her daughter safe, she enters the Witness. Protection Program and is relocated to Boulder, Colorado. Enter, Dr. Alan Gregory, who discovers that Kirsten’s anonymity might be in question. Juggling secrets with seeking his pregnant wife’s input as a lawyer, Alan will have to help his client from being discovered. White keeps the reader hooked with yet another strong novel that had me up well into the night.
After a difficult case yields a conviction for mob killer, DA Kirsten Lord has little time to bask in the victory. The convicted killer utters something she cannot forget. “For every precious thing I lose, you lose two”. This is not simply a threat, but becomes real when Kirsten sees her husband gunned down in front of her. She cannot stay in New Orleans, both for her own safety as well as that her her young daughter. After a brief relocation to rural Louisiana ends up with an almost kidnapping, major changes will have to occur. This includes Witness Protection, WITSEC. Kirsten Lord will have to leave her life behind and assume a new name to save herself. Next stop, Boulder, Colorado.
When clinical therapist, D. Alan Gregory is offered a temporary position helping those in WITSEC with any of their therapeutic needs, he agrees after consulting with his extremely pregnant wife. Lauren Crowder is eager to see her husband to excited and pushes him to begin helping. When Kirsten arrives with a new life and some issues to resolve, Alan begins working her file, while trying to keep it from anyone else. Lauren soon recognizes Kirsten and pries to get the answers. Alan tries to keep thing professional, but soon admits the truth to Lauren, who is trying to bide her time before adding to the Gregory family.
While things seem to be going well for a time, information is hacked from the WITSEC Program and soon no one is safe. With people making their way to Boulder to exactly some revenge, Dr. Alan Gregory will have to work to keep his client safe and ensure that no one else dies. It appears the Program might have been the worst spot for Kirsten Lord to come, particularly when those within the Program turn up the heat. A great story that had me rushing to get all the answers in short order.
I remember discovering this series years ago, devouring many of the books in short order. When I chose to return, I decided that I would try a complete series binge, getting the full Alan Gregory experience. Stephen White uses many of his personal experiences as a clinical psychologist to pull on ideas and character aspects, which becomes apparent in this early novel.
White’s writing is both concise and loose, depending on the part of the book. The pleasant meanderings help force the reader to focus their attention throughout the reading experience. The narrative foundation is key to the story’s success. As tensions build, White is able to develop a strong story that hums along with a great deal of intrigue. Dr. Alan Gregory is not central to this piece, but does well supporting the central protagonist, inching things along to ensure there is no time for the reader to relax. In a story that adds layers of excitement and action, White is able to keep the reader at the core of all things essential to better understand what’s to come in the series.
Plot points keep the reader on edge and trying to see where things are headed. White reveals only what is needed as the reader is forced to guess an wonder, while the surprises pile up. Juggling numerous storylines, the reader is forced to make all the needed connections to understand the various aspect of the story. I am eager to see where White will take things and how the addition to the Gregory family change Alan and Lauren alike.
Kudos Mr. White, for a unique new tale in the series.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After a difficult case yields a conviction for mob killer, DA Kirsten Lord has little time to bask in the victory. The convicted killer utters something she cannot forget. “For every precious thing I lose, you lose two”. This is not simply a threat, but becomes real when Kirsten sees her husband gunned down in front of her. She cannot stay in New Orleans, both for her own safety as well as that her her young daughter. After a brief relocation to rural Louisiana ends up with an almost kidnapping, major changes will have to occur. This includes Witness Protection, WITSEC. Kirsten Lord will have to leave her life behind and assume a new name to save herself. Next stop, Boulder, Colorado.
When clinical therapist, D. Alan Gregory is offered a temporary position helping those in WITSEC with any of their therapeutic needs, he agrees after consulting with his extremely pregnant wife. Lauren Crowder is eager to see her husband to excited and pushes him to begin helping. When Kirsten arrives with a new life and some issues to resolve, Alan begins working her file, while trying to keep it from anyone else. Lauren soon recognizes Kirsten and pries to get the answers. Alan tries to keep thing professional, but soon admits the truth to Lauren, who is trying to bide her time before adding to the Gregory family.
While things seem to be going well for a time, information is hacked from the WITSEC Program and soon no one is safe. With people making their way to Boulder to exactly some revenge, Dr. Alan Gregory will have to work to keep his client safe and ensure that no one else dies. It appears the Program might have been the worst spot for Kirsten Lord to come, particularly when those within the Program turn up the heat. A great story that had me rushing to get all the answers in short order.
I remember discovering this series years ago, devouring many of the books in short order. When I chose to return, I decided that I would try a complete series binge, getting the full Alan Gregory experience. Stephen White uses many of his personal experiences as a clinical psychologist to pull on ideas and character aspects, which becomes apparent in this early novel.
White’s writing is both concise and loose, depending on the part of the book. The pleasant meanderings help force the reader to focus their attention throughout the reading experience. The narrative foundation is key to the story’s success. As tensions build, White is able to develop a strong story that hums along with a great deal of intrigue. Dr. Alan Gregory is not central to this piece, but does well supporting the central protagonist, inching things along to ensure there is no time for the reader to relax. In a story that adds layers of excitement and action, White is able to keep the reader at the core of all things essential to better understand what’s to come in the series.
Plot points keep the reader on edge and trying to see where things are headed. White reveals only what is needed as the reader is forced to guess an wonder, while the surprises pile up. Juggling numerous storylines, the reader is forced to make all the needed connections to understand the various aspect of the story. I am eager to see where White will take things and how the addition to the Gregory family change Alan and Lauren alike.
Kudos Mr. White, for a unique new tale in the series.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 24, 2011
Maeve Maddox, who writes for www.dailywritingtips.com, defines the mystery/thriller/suspense genre as:
mystery: the main character is occupied in tracking down the truth about an event, usually a murder. If the protagonist is in any danger, it is usually moderate, and becomes a problem only as the detective approaches the truth.
thriller: the protagonist is in danger from the outset.
suspense: the main character may become aware of danger only gradually. In a mystery, the reader is exposed to the same information as the detective, but in a suspense story, the reader is aware of things unknown to the protagonist. The reader sees the bad guy plant the bomb, and then suffers the suspense of wondering when or if it will explode.
This has nothing to do with my review. I just thought it was interesting.
This was my first Stephen White book, which is amazing because the author lives in Colorado. It’s always fun to read books with references to places and things that are familiar. The Program takes place in Boulder (aka the Republic of Boulder) where I grew up. My first job was as a server in the dining hall at Chautauqua Park; I bought my children toys at Grand Rabbits and my grass on The Hill. (Don’t get excited; everyone was high in the seventies.)
I better write something about the book. I picked it up because I needed a book for a challenge where “the primary character…adopts an alternate identity.” The main character in The Program is in the Witness Protection Program/WITSEC. Perfect! However, the book starts out as a mystery…not my favorite genre but I stuck with it to fulfill the challenge. Well, it soon turned into a darn good thriller/suspense story.
This is #9 in the Alan Gregory series but I had no problem with the story so you don’t need to read the first eight books to understand The Program. Another interesting thing is, while this is an Alan Gregory book, his character plays a relatively small part in the novel. I found this refreshing. I tend to avoid series because so many of them have to be read in consecutive order and I usually get tired reading about one character over and over again. (I loved the Potter books but I was getting a little annoyed with Harry at the end. I spent more time with him than I did my own children.)
I plan to read more Stephen White. I hope his other books are more thriller/suspense and less mystery. I’ll let you know.
September 20, 2022
I actually enjoyed this one. Old school thriller type. Very predictable but exactly what I needed today.
January 12, 2017
They promised you'd be safe. They were wrong!
A real page-turner with a twist of suspense of the first order - sinister and scary!
Constructed with the dexterity of a surgeon and the sensitivity of a psychologist, I don't think I've read a better-crafted novel, as yet!
A real page-turner with a twist of suspense of the first order - sinister and scary!
Constructed with the dexterity of a surgeon and the sensitivity of a psychologist, I don't think I've read a better-crafted novel, as yet!
May 7, 2009
fun read, not exactly pulitzer prize winning writing, but most of the book takes place in Boulder, CO, so it was fun to read and recognize places I've been.
March 27, 2017
Personal Response: This book was not really what I expected it was okay though
Plot Summary: Kirsten Lord was the D.A assistant in New Orleans and when she took up a case with a very angry man who threatens her that she will loose everything he does times two, She disregards the remark until She is going to have lunch with Her Husband and He is shot right in front of her by the man wearing chinos and the windbreaker held at a funny angle over his arm. Kirsten and her daughter are put in witness protection and are given new names and a new home in Slaughter, Louisiana and Kirsten is very cautious of her and her daughter and the one friend her daughter has made. When the friends mother calls about strange men in an SUV like she was told to do by Kirsten and she is accused by the friend later on when Amy her daughter is almost kidnapped by some strange lady and then they move to colorado where everything goes south Kirsten meets Carl and he helps her run from the people trying to kill her and the retired hit man helps her live when the witness protection program does not help he kills and almost gets himself killed for her and he kills for her and the both of them feel a connection with each other on a higher level than friends but nothing happens and her daughter realises this and says nothing but that she likes Carl and his dog Anvil. When Carl gets shot for Kirsten and Amy she feels sad because she can not ever see him and thank him in person but when he calls she answers and is happy that she got to know he was okay and that she got to thank him and all is good no one is trying to kill Kirsten or Amy and they continue to live in Colorado in happiness
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to people who like okay, just plain okay endings not to happy or sad.
Plot Summary: Kirsten Lord was the D.A assistant in New Orleans and when she took up a case with a very angry man who threatens her that she will loose everything he does times two, She disregards the remark until She is going to have lunch with Her Husband and He is shot right in front of her by the man wearing chinos and the windbreaker held at a funny angle over his arm. Kirsten and her daughter are put in witness protection and are given new names and a new home in Slaughter, Louisiana and Kirsten is very cautious of her and her daughter and the one friend her daughter has made. When the friends mother calls about strange men in an SUV like she was told to do by Kirsten and she is accused by the friend later on when Amy her daughter is almost kidnapped by some strange lady and then they move to colorado where everything goes south Kirsten meets Carl and he helps her run from the people trying to kill her and the retired hit man helps her live when the witness protection program does not help he kills and almost gets himself killed for her and he kills for her and the both of them feel a connection with each other on a higher level than friends but nothing happens and her daughter realises this and says nothing but that she likes Carl and his dog Anvil. When Carl gets shot for Kirsten and Amy she feels sad because she can not ever see him and thank him in person but when he calls she answers and is happy that she got to know he was okay and that she got to thank him and all is good no one is trying to kill Kirsten or Amy and they continue to live in Colorado in happiness
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to people who like okay, just plain okay endings not to happy or sad.
June 26, 2012
The Program was featured as a June 2012 Group Read in the Stephen White - Alan Gregory group. I am also having this book meet the Summer 2012 Reading Challenge in the Dare to Dream Group.
The Program meets the following requirement:
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
Read a book this summer in which a CHARACTER GETS SHOT
Some favorite parts later in the book:
Immediately my introverted daughter asked Carl, "He's a boy, right? Why doesn't he have any balls?"
Carl looked at Landon with a critical eye. The he said, "Oh, Anvil has balls, my little friend. He just doesn't have any nuts."
-The Program, Chapter 9
And the memorable pick-up stick story:
Lauren raised her cell phone. "Don't worry, it's not a big deal. She's always late. This time she got called to the hospital to remove a pickup stick from an eleven-year old boy's penis." She held up a hand as though she were about to be sworn in as a witness. "I kid you not. How's your daughter feeling?"
I could hear Landon all the way from the backseat of the car as she said, "Oh, that's gross."
I couldn't help wincing at the pickup-stick story myself. I answered Lauren. "Landon's uncomfortable, but she'll feel better as soon as she gets some antibiotics. I'm sure she's feeling better than the little boy with the pick up stick in his...penis. Thanks for asking."
-The Program, Chapter 10
The Program meets the following requirement:
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
Read a book this summer in which a CHARACTER GETS SHOT
Some favorite parts later in the book:
Immediately my introverted daughter asked Carl, "He's a boy, right? Why doesn't he have any balls?"
Carl looked at Landon with a critical eye. The he said, "Oh, Anvil has balls, my little friend. He just doesn't have any nuts."
-The Program, Chapter 9
And the memorable pick-up stick story:
Lauren raised her cell phone. "Don't worry, it's not a big deal. She's always late. This time she got called to the hospital to remove a pickup stick from an eleven-year old boy's penis." She held up a hand as though she were about to be sworn in as a witness. "I kid you not. How's your daughter feeling?"
I could hear Landon all the way from the backseat of the car as she said, "Oh, that's gross."
I couldn't help wincing at the pickup-stick story myself. I answered Lauren. "Landon's uncomfortable, but she'll feel better as soon as she gets some antibiotics. I'm sure she's feeling better than the little boy with the pick up stick in his...penis. Thanks for asking."
-The Program, Chapter 10
May 27, 2020
This book by far has been my favorite book this year. It was so captivating from the first page and so hard to put down. I read 200 pages of the book all in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down! If there is a sequel, please let me know because I’d love to read it.
November 9, 2017
I’ve read a number of White’s novels and with the exception of “The Siege”, this is the best. I couldn’t put it down. What would you do if you were desperate? If your life and your child’s life were threatened? This book expands common definitions of many things and many people. Definitely worth a read.
October 21, 2019
I've read some of the other Alan Gregory books over the years. I've liked them. They make an interesting series. In this book, Dr, Gregory is almost a secondary character, and that makes it even more interesting.
The Witness Protection Program is, for most of us, a big mystery. This is by design, since it hides people from other people who may want to kill them. This is the program from the title. It's there to provide us with a plausible reason for our two principle characters to meet and interact.
I did think there was a bit too much "mama trauma" where our female lead looses her mind and focus whenever her child is threatened, even in situations where the actual threat is to her own self. Other than that it was a good thriller. There are plenty of red herrings and twists. Several different story threads wove together nicely.
The Witness Protection Program is, for most of us, a big mystery. This is by design, since it hides people from other people who may want to kill them. This is the program from the title. It's there to provide us with a plausible reason for our two principle characters to meet and interact.
I did think there was a bit too much "mama trauma" where our female lead looses her mind and focus whenever her child is threatened, even in situations where the actual threat is to her own self. Other than that it was a good thriller. There are plenty of red herrings and twists. Several different story threads wove together nicely.
July 8, 2019
Excellent entry in a very good series. I loved the characters in the WITSEC program and their points of view.
March 6, 2011
I'm a big fan of Stephen White's "Alan Gregory" series. The writing is clear and concise and the characters are people you'd like to get to know. White draws you in to the story by allowing you to see and experience the life of psychologist Alan Gregory's patients.
This time Alan has two new patients both of whom are in the Witness Protection Program. They are not supposed to meet or even be aware of the other.
The first, DA Kristen Lord who has already seen her husband gunned down. She is living in fear with her young daughter and not just in fear of the ruthless man she prosecuted (who swore in court he would kill everyone she loved) but in fear of the program. In the past she was outspoken in her criticism of the Witness Protection Program and there are many who believe she should not be helped and even those who would like to see her killed.
Then there is the case of a man she prosecuted in Florida who is now sitting on death row. She has misgivings about the proof provided by the police who investigated the case and wonders now if and how she should speak out about her thoughts.
The second patient is a man called Carl Luppo, a hit man who turned states evidence to save his own skin. He has been in The Program for a while and has learned the routine and by observation a lot about his "keepers". He knows Dr. Gregory is a temporary player in The Program and has been assigned other WPP clients. He waits and watches until he discovers the identity of Kristen Lord.
A strange and sometimes strained friendship develops between the Kristen and Carl as well as Kristen's daughter.
Another great addition to the series is the location - Boulder, Colorado, where Dr. Gregory's wife Lauren (who happens to have MS) is a deputy district attorney for Boulder County. She always adds a bit of spice to the story with her wry sense of humor.
This time Alan has two new patients both of whom are in the Witness Protection Program. They are not supposed to meet or even be aware of the other.
The first, DA Kristen Lord who has already seen her husband gunned down. She is living in fear with her young daughter and not just in fear of the ruthless man she prosecuted (who swore in court he would kill everyone she loved) but in fear of the program. In the past she was outspoken in her criticism of the Witness Protection Program and there are many who believe she should not be helped and even those who would like to see her killed.
Then there is the case of a man she prosecuted in Florida who is now sitting on death row. She has misgivings about the proof provided by the police who investigated the case and wonders now if and how she should speak out about her thoughts.
The second patient is a man called Carl Luppo, a hit man who turned states evidence to save his own skin. He has been in The Program for a while and has learned the routine and by observation a lot about his "keepers". He knows Dr. Gregory is a temporary player in The Program and has been assigned other WPP clients. He waits and watches until he discovers the identity of Kristen Lord.
A strange and sometimes strained friendship develops between the Kristen and Carl as well as Kristen's daughter.
Another great addition to the series is the location - Boulder, Colorado, where Dr. Gregory's wife Lauren (who happens to have MS) is a deputy district attorney for Boulder County. She always adds a bit of spice to the story with her wry sense of humor.
January 13, 2009
I loved this book. It was really interesting and exciting. It had lots of twists and turns on every page. The plot of the story is about a prosocuter named Kristen whos husband is killed because of a promise a man once made to her. After her husband is killed she is on the run and goes into hiding.
This book is definatly a thriller. I didn't want to put it down. The theme would be things that you've done to other people usually come back to haunt you sometime in life.
Their is rising action throughout the whole story and it keeps you guessing until the very last page. Their are many different conflicts that the main character (Kristin) has with many different people. The mood is very intense and high energy. A person who might like this book is someone who likes thriller books and likes to be surprised.
This book is definatly a thriller. I didn't want to put it down. The theme would be things that you've done to other people usually come back to haunt you sometime in life.
Their is rising action throughout the whole story and it keeps you guessing until the very last page. Their are many different conflicts that the main character (Kristin) has with many different people. The mood is very intense and high energy. A person who might like this book is someone who likes thriller books and likes to be surprised.
September 9, 2011
This may have been the best Alan Gregory book to date, which is interesting because he is not the primary character. In fact, though the book is primarily first person, it isn't from, his point of view. Alan is called in as a replacement therapist for people in what we think of as the witness protection program. One of his patients, a former prosecuter, is under death threats from a drug dealer she put away. That's par for the course, only her husband was killed in a professional hit and someone tried to kidnap her daughter. But what if those things had nothing to do with the case at hand? It's a very complex and captivating thriller. In Gregory's personal life, Lauren, his wife, is due to give birth, and what I like about Alan as a therapist is that he is also very human. He wants to help his patients but not as much as he values the safety of his wife.
January 25, 2018
The Program centers on former New Orleans prosecutor forced to enter the Witness Protection Program with her 9-year old daughter following the murder of her husband in the French Quarter. As she watches in horror, she recalls the threat that was made across the defense table, "Remember this, 'every precious thing I lose, you lose two.'" Kirsten Lord and her daughter enter The Program and are relocated to Boulder, Colorado. Dr. Alan Gregory, covering temporarily for a colleague, agrees to conduct psychotherapy for Ms. Lord and an ex-Mafia hit man as part of their witness protection program. Against the rules, Carl Luppo befriends Kirsten Lord because he is concerned that her safety has been compromised and takes it upon himself to protect her as well. It was a fast and entertaining read.
June 27, 2014
Definitely worth becoming sleep deprived over! Try as I might, I could not find a good spot to stop reading so I could go to bed. I was hooked from page one and just when I thought Kristen couldn't possibly get herself into deeper trouble she proved me wrong.
There's a part in the book (not a spoiler) where I was on the edge of my seat and I wanted to close my eyes so I wouldn't have to read what was going to happen next!!! I believe I woke my husband a couple of times by commentating a little too loud as he was trying to sleep beside me.
Besides Kristen my favorite character in the book was Carl. I never thought I'd be rooting for a hitman but alas it's true!
There's a part in the book (not a spoiler) where I was on the edge of my seat and I wanted to close my eyes so I wouldn't have to read what was going to happen next!!! I believe I woke my husband a couple of times by commentating a little too loud as he was trying to sleep beside me.
Besides Kristen my favorite character in the book was Carl. I never thought I'd be rooting for a hitman but alas it's true!
Read
July 29, 2012This story was so good, about halfway through I couldn't stop reading.
I find it interesting the difference in writing styles. Elvis Cole stories move fast, I am out of breath often. Alan Gregory stories are not as fast paced, yet I am still left short of breath.
I found myself yelling out loud as if my voice could warn the characters, or my advice would be of any use to them. In spite of my inability to help, Dr Gregory and the rest were able to function without me.
I am already dreading reaching the end of this series even as I race to read them all.
I find it interesting the difference in writing styles. Elvis Cole stories move fast, I am out of breath often. Alan Gregory stories are not as fast paced, yet I am still left short of breath.
I found myself yelling out loud as if my voice could warn the characters, or my advice would be of any use to them. In spite of my inability to help, Dr Gregory and the rest were able to function without me.
I am already dreading reaching the end of this series even as I race to read them all.
January 22, 2014
#9 in the Alan Gregory series. The Program (2001) is one of the more memorable entries in the series. Alan treats two members of the Witness Protection program and they will become recurring characters for the next dozen years.
Dr. Alan Gregory is asked to take over a couple of delicate cases temporarily treating members in the Witness Protection Program. Kristen Lord, a Florida prosecutor witnessed the execution of her husband. Her need for protection stems from a threat made by a lowlife she sent to prison. Dr. Gregory's other patient is Carl Luppo, a hit man turned informant.
Dr. Alan Gregory is asked to take over a couple of delicate cases temporarily treating members in the Witness Protection Program. Kristen Lord, a Florida prosecutor witnessed the execution of her husband. Her need for protection stems from a threat made by a lowlife she sent to prison. Dr. Gregory's other patient is Carl Luppo, a hit man turned informant.
December 3, 2014
This is the December BOTM for the Psychological Thrillers group. Though there was no review of it, I am positive that I read this before, but it was just as entertaining this time. The idea of going into the Witness Protection program is rather fascinating--taking a new name, relocating to a different locale--having to remember one's new name--all of this is necessary in some cases, especially, to keep on living. Most of it takes place in Boulder, Colorado--where a number of people are in jeopardy.
May 8, 2017
The Program was different from other Alan Gregory’s series. The story was about a D.A. in the Witness Protection Program and was told from her point of view. Though I enjoyed the story, Alan Gregory played a minor role and his detective friend Sam Purdy’s name was only mentioned. Sandra Burr did a good job in telling the story.
August 4, 2016
Stephen White is adept at creating therapy tension as well as cloak and dagger mayhem concurrently. His stories always put you in a moral predicament while trying to save your or someone else's life and this one was no exception. I got irritated with the whales and the DumDums though. So there is probably a psychological analysis for that.... I would like to hear it, please.
March 13, 2014
fun listening to an audio book based in Boulder, CO - this one about a female defense attorney and her 9 year old daughter placed here in a witness protection program after her husband is killed in front of her in New Orleans.
March 10, 2014
One of my favorite authors and series.
December 1, 2014
Could not put this book down! This was one of the best in this series. It's about the Witness Protection Program. How many different forces can be out to "get" a Prosecutor? Surprise ending.
November 30, 2023
A Dr. Alan Gregory (psychologist) novel. Dr. Gregory has been appointed (temporarily) by the Witness Protection Program (WPP) to counsel a couple of people in their program.
Kirsten Lord, is a new addition. She is a New Orleans DA, whose husband was gunned down and has been threatened by a man who she had put away. She seeks shelter and she and her daughter are spirited away to Boulder, Colorado, where, by chance she meets Carl Luppo - a solitary mob assassin, who is also in the Program. Luppo is an unusual character, a straight shooter, who was able to rationalize his job in the mob, but who has surprisely, high moral standards.
In the book, we learn that Lord had been involved years' ago with actions against the Program, that gave her nationally recognition and resulted in some job losses at the WPP. In addition, a very early case of her, when she was just starting out in Florida, is in the news again.
There are many "threads" to this novel but Stephen White is able weave them together and keep the reader engaged and believing in the story.
Kirsten Lord, is a new addition. She is a New Orleans DA, whose husband was gunned down and has been threatened by a man who she had put away. She seeks shelter and she and her daughter are spirited away to Boulder, Colorado, where, by chance she meets Carl Luppo - a solitary mob assassin, who is also in the Program. Luppo is an unusual character, a straight shooter, who was able to rationalize his job in the mob, but who has surprisely, high moral standards.
In the book, we learn that Lord had been involved years' ago with actions against the Program, that gave her nationally recognition and resulted in some job losses at the WPP. In addition, a very early case of her, when she was just starting out in Florida, is in the news again.
There are many "threads" to this novel but Stephen White is able weave them together and keep the reader engaged and believing in the story.
November 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. This is the first I've read in this series and it can stand alone. The plot involves a DA who is put in the Witness Protection Program after her husband is murdered and her daughter is kidnapped on the orders of a drug lord whom she successfully prosecuted.
I think the characters in the story are what really make the book interesting. A favorite of mine is a former mafia hitman also in the Witness Protection Program. The plot doesn't hurt. There is suspense, partly because there appear to be other people besides the drug lord who may be after the DA. The ending is spine-tingling. I was reading the book on the plane and at the most exciting part when the plane landed and I had to put my kindle away until after we'd had a late dinner and were back to our house.
I think the characters in the story are what really make the book interesting. A favorite of mine is a former mafia hitman also in the Witness Protection Program. The plot doesn't hurt. There is suspense, partly because there appear to be other people besides the drug lord who may be after the DA. The ending is spine-tingling. I was reading the book on the plane and at the most exciting part when the plane landed and I had to put my kindle away until after we'd had a late dinner and were back to our house.
June 12, 2021
This book was messy. Kirsten Lord is an assistant DA in NOLA. Her husband in killed because of a conviction that she won against a drug dealer. She enters the Witness Security Program (WITSEC) in spite of the fact that she had investigated the program and testified about problems to congress. Alan Gregory is her psychologist while she is in the program and it all just goes haywire. I had a hard time with fanciful directions that this story veered into. Kirsten/Katherine/Peyton with her daughter Amy/Matilda/Landon live in Boulder as one of the places the WITSEC places them. Carl Luppo a wiseguy also in the program becomes a friend/protector for Peyton. Then the bodies and bad guys (and one gal) begin to fall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2020
Another Stephen White wonderful thriller, like all his others, but different because it's more of a standalone, rather than an Alan Gregory series continuation. Like some of the best of yesteryear, White's terrific characterizations, locale descriptions and never ending tension, make it "unputdownable"! Dr. Gregory is very much a peripheral character in this novel, and I can say to his fans, it's actually OK, as the characters of Peyton (aka Kirsten) and Carl are bad-ass protagonists, and the info on the Witness Protection program is fascinating.
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