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Frank Clevenger #5
Murder Suicide: A Novel
The only forensic psychiatrist writing suspense, Keith Ablow is being hailed as the heir to Thomas Harris. Keith Ablow's novels delve deep into that dark and deadly place that Ablow, one of the nation's leading forensic psychiatrists, knows the psyche of a killer. Ablow has explored the catacombs of the criminal mind to find out what makes them tick, and he brings that expertise to his new novel, a chilling and emotionally compelling story of the lengths to which one man will go to leave his own life behind.In Murder Suicide, Ablow and his alter-ego, Dr. Frank Clevenger, return to take on a murder case like no other. John Snow is a brilliant inventor who has made millions from his genius in aeronautics. He has everything a man could wealth, family, even a beautiful mistress. But he also has a brain disease, a rare form of epilepsy, that threatens his most valuable possession -- his mind. Only one doctor may be able to cure it surgically, but at a terrible cost, one that Snow reveals to no Snow will have no memory whatsoever of his past - of its emotional entanglements or its secrets. He will be abandoning everyone he has ever known. But the night before he is scheduled to undergo the operation, he is found near the Massachusetts General Hospital, dead of a gunshot wound. Did he commit suicide, as the police suspect - or was he murdered?Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frank Clevenger delves into Snow's complex past and tortured relationships to unlock the identity of Snow's Was it the wife who can never forgive what he's done to their child and their marriage, the son who loathes him, the beautiful mistress who loves him so deeply but can never have him, or the business partner intent on taking control of his inventions?Only Frank Clevenger can unlock the door to Snow's startling past. And only Keith Ablow can take readers even further into the mind of a killer.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
23 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Keith Ablow
25 books178 followersKeith Russell Ablow is an American psychiatrist, New York Times best-selling author, and television personality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 23, 2024
Content warning:
Dislikes: None!
Likes:
The characters are fascinating, especially Jet whose motives are difficult to figure out—is he truly a dedicated doctor or a manipulative, egotistical man who is willing to bulldoze anyone in his path? Tough call. Then there’s Lindsey, the manipulative and jealous teenager with major daddy issues. John is the genius who struggles to make meaningful connections with people. Frank is the forensic psychologist with a dark past. Grace is the beautiful, perpetually depressed woman who feels trapped in her marriage. Kyle is the self-destructive and lonely teen who hates himself and displays murderous tendencies—his only loyalty is to his mother. There’s also George, Collin, Billy and John’s wife who were interesting in their own ways. They all had depth and I liked exploring their characters.
Engaging writing style.
The plot was well-crafted with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing about who the killer was until the very end.
John and Grace <3 I am forever bitter they didn’t get their happy ending. They were soulmates. SOULMATES I TELL YOU! He saw past her outward beauty and she saw past his geniusness. She was the only person who loved him for him and he was the only person who loved her for her. I love them. I cannot stress enough how much they deserved a HEA. Keith Ablow was so wrong for taking this away from us smh
If you don't mind, I'm going to pretend John was never murdered and that he & Grace are blissfully happy in Tahiti rn :)
Dislikes: None!
Likes:
The characters are fascinating, especially Jet whose motives are difficult to figure out—is he truly a dedicated doctor or a manipulative, egotistical man who is willing to bulldoze anyone in his path? Tough call. Then there’s Lindsey, the manipulative and jealous teenager with major daddy issues. John is the genius who struggles to make meaningful connections with people. Frank is the forensic psychologist with a dark past. Grace is the beautiful, perpetually depressed woman who feels trapped in her marriage. Kyle is the self-destructive and lonely teen who hates himself and displays murderous tendencies—his only loyalty is to his mother. There’s also George, Collin, Billy and John’s wife who were interesting in their own ways. They all had depth and I liked exploring their characters.
Engaging writing style.
The plot was well-crafted with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing about who the killer was until the very end.
John and Grace <3 I am forever bitter they didn’t get their happy ending. They were soulmates. SOULMATES I TELL YOU! He saw past her outward beauty and she saw past his geniusness. She was the only person who loved him for him and he was the only person who loved her for her. I love them. I cannot stress enough how much they deserved a HEA. Keith Ablow was so wrong for taking this away from us smh
He was utterly certain now that she loved him, not his brain. John Snow. The man, not the machine.
If you don't mind, I'm going to pretend John was never murdered and that he & Grace are blissfully happy in Tahiti rn :)
December 6, 2017
Onvan : Murder Suicide (Frank Clevenger, #5) - Nevisande : Keith Ablow - ISBN : 312323891 - ISBN13 : 9780312323899 - Dar 305 Safhe - Saal e Chap : 2004
October 11, 2017
A MYSTERY
I enjoyed reading this book it was well written I liked the characters it had a good story line. it had me guessing who did it to the very end.
Dr. Frank Clevenger a forensic scientist and psychiatrist is brought in on a suicide of John Snow a brilliant inventor by the police to rule out that it wasn't a murder. Clevenger digs into Snows relationships with his wife,children,business partner and mistress. worth the read
I enjoyed reading this book it was well written I liked the characters it had a good story line. it had me guessing who did it to the very end.
Dr. Frank Clevenger a forensic scientist and psychiatrist is brought in on a suicide of John Snow a brilliant inventor by the police to rule out that it wasn't a murder. Clevenger digs into Snows relationships with his wife,children,business partner and mistress. worth the read
July 1, 2023
Good pace and spread of suspects
August 28, 2011
Since Psychology is my field of study, I really enjoy Keith Ablow's novels. Mr. Ablow has done a wonderful job in opening up the pathology of the criminal mind in his series of books. I relate to the way in which he focuses on the the way in which a person "thinks" that leads that person to create the criminal behavior. And not just the criminal - but Frank Clevenger himself
In this novel Frank Clevenger is called in by the police to assist in the investigation of the shooting death of John Snow. John Snow was a brilliant scientist and inventor - but was troubled by severe seizures, seizures which were believed to be brought on by the overload of impulses to the brain when he was at his most creative. Mr. Snow was scheduled to have radical brain surgery with a somewhat narcissistic surgeon, Jet Heller. Dr. Heller was going to perform a controversial surgery to try to stop the seizures, but the surgery ran the risk of some unpleasant side-effects - one of which was that he would not know anyone that he had known before.
The reason Clevenger’s expertise is required is to assess whether the prospect of the upcoming surgery and his possible future was too much for Snow to handle and so he decided to commit suicide instead. Detective Coady - the policeman in charge of the Snow case - wants Clevenger to show that it was a suicide - it would make his job a whole lot easier.
There are many complications - a new invention by Snow seems to be missing (did he complete it or not?) - Dr. Snow had a partner who would make a lot of money from the new invention - there seems to have been a "girlfriend" in Dr. Snow's life - and the surgeon would have greatly to his achievements by performing the surgery
And of course, all of the issues in Clevenger's life - including his adopted son Billy
You'll just have to read the book to see what happens :)
P.S. - I would recommend reading an earlier novel so that you get a "feel" for the main characters. "Psychopath" was the novel right before this one
In this novel Frank Clevenger is called in by the police to assist in the investigation of the shooting death of John Snow. John Snow was a brilliant scientist and inventor - but was troubled by severe seizures, seizures which were believed to be brought on by the overload of impulses to the brain when he was at his most creative. Mr. Snow was scheduled to have radical brain surgery with a somewhat narcissistic surgeon, Jet Heller. Dr. Heller was going to perform a controversial surgery to try to stop the seizures, but the surgery ran the risk of some unpleasant side-effects - one of which was that he would not know anyone that he had known before.
The reason Clevenger’s expertise is required is to assess whether the prospect of the upcoming surgery and his possible future was too much for Snow to handle and so he decided to commit suicide instead. Detective Coady - the policeman in charge of the Snow case - wants Clevenger to show that it was a suicide - it would make his job a whole lot easier.
There are many complications - a new invention by Snow seems to be missing (did he complete it or not?) - Dr. Snow had a partner who would make a lot of money from the new invention - there seems to have been a "girlfriend" in Dr. Snow's life - and the surgeon would have greatly to his achievements by performing the surgery
And of course, all of the issues in Clevenger's life - including his adopted son Billy
You'll just have to read the book to see what happens :)
P.S. - I would recommend reading an earlier novel so that you get a "feel" for the main characters. "Psychopath" was the novel right before this one
August 6, 2010
I really enjoyed my first Keith Ablow book read years ago. Now that I'm going into psychiatry, the thought of reading a book with a psychiatric protagonist was very appealing.
Ugh. Very disappointing. The book rang of a sort of false-note machismo that gave the impression that an author hunched over the keyboard was sketching out an impression of who he'd like to be. The plot was predictable and the characters wooden. The scenes were disjointed and inelegantly edited, as if you could almost see a sequence of pinned index cards moved around a cork-board until the author had a semblance of a novel.
Won't be returning to the Ablow series. Actually, I can be a glutton for punishment and will give it another try in a few years when I forget how much I disliked this one. Time will tell...
Ugh. Very disappointing. The book rang of a sort of false-note machismo that gave the impression that an author hunched over the keyboard was sketching out an impression of who he'd like to be. The plot was predictable and the characters wooden. The scenes were disjointed and inelegantly edited, as if you could almost see a sequence of pinned index cards moved around a cork-board until the author had a semblance of a novel.
Won't be returning to the Ablow series. Actually, I can be a glutton for punishment and will give it another try in a few years when I forget how much I disliked this one. Time will tell...
February 7, 2010
I was looking forward to reading this as I rated Psychopath highly. But I was bored all the way through. The tone was flat and cerebral. There was no alteration in pace, no build ups, no troughs, no menace.
Frank Clevenger is a forensic psychiatrist. Most psychiatrists I know, including forensic psychiatrists, can tell very good stories entertainingly, and have oodles of empathy. Clevenger is cold - I must remember I am a psychiatrist- and analytical, difficult to relate to. Apart from his analysis of John Snow's apparent suicide, there was little else that was convincing. Even his meeting with his FBI ex- lover is unconvincing. I found John Snow and the neuro-surgeon Heller implausible.
Frank Clevenger is a forensic psychiatrist. Most psychiatrists I know, including forensic psychiatrists, can tell very good stories entertainingly, and have oodles of empathy. Clevenger is cold - I must remember I am a psychiatrist- and analytical, difficult to relate to. Apart from his analysis of John Snow's apparent suicide, there was little else that was convincing. Even his meeting with his FBI ex- lover is unconvincing. I found John Snow and the neuro-surgeon Heller implausible.
August 2, 2010
I read this mystery in two sittings. Ablow really does grab the reader and pull them in right from the start.
The story is about the death of John Snow, a genius of a man who suffers from epilepsy. He dies from a gunshot wound outside the hospital where he is about to have revolutionary surgery to free him of his fits, among other things.
The book is one of a series with Dr Frank Clevenger as detective-type. Clevenger is a forensic psychistrist so he doesn't do all of the grunt cop work, but unravels the complexities of the relationships between the dead man and the suspects.
Another crime writer I will read more of. I liked this book - easy to read but interesting and thoguht-provoking at the same time
The story is about the death of John Snow, a genius of a man who suffers from epilepsy. He dies from a gunshot wound outside the hospital where he is about to have revolutionary surgery to free him of his fits, among other things.
The book is one of a series with Dr Frank Clevenger as detective-type. Clevenger is a forensic psychistrist so he doesn't do all of the grunt cop work, but unravels the complexities of the relationships between the dead man and the suspects.
Another crime writer I will read more of. I liked this book - easy to read but interesting and thoguht-provoking at the same time
August 15, 2009
This book strikes me as one step below mediocre. Cliche quota reached by page 5 whereupon a doctor manages to use all three of the following phrases, "Beat, goddamn you." "Don't quit on me, don't you quit on me." "You coward... You..." I was going to take one for the team, trudge through because the premise was intriguing and the medical explanations (an out-of-place scientific accuracy that was not smoothly integrated into dialog) were interesting. But the characters are parodies of themselves, and with that, I am bored.
May 9, 2009
Finally, a mystery with a psychological probe that I wish for but almost never get. Those who will like this book the most are probably people more interested in solving the "why" aspect of a mystery rather than "who" did it. I'm going to check out what else he's written.
October 27, 2009
A murder has been committed, and Gary-Stu Keith Ablow oops, sorry, I mean Frank Clevenger is off to solve it. Oh, and get laid by the pretty ladies of course!
I think that sums up how I feel perfectly.
I think that sums up how I feel perfectly.
January 12, 2014
Story line was really good but it read more like a screenplay than a novel. Didn't think there was much character development - not like you get in the classics. Would make a good movie.
January 28, 2019
Only gave this one star because Goodreads won't let me give it zero stars.
October 20, 2018
Review taken from the online description...In Murder Suicide, Ablow and his alter-ego, Dr. Frank Clevenger, return to take on a murder case like no other. John Snow is a brilliant inventor who has made millions from his genius in aeronautics. He has everything a man could desire: wealth, family, even a beautiful mistress. But he also has a brain disease, a rare form of epilepsy, that threatens his most valuable possession -- his mind. Only one doctor may be able to cure it surgically, but at a terrible cost, one that Snow reveals to no one: Snow will have no memory whatsoever of his past - of its emotional entanglements or its secrets. He will be abandoning everyone he has ever known. But the night before he is scheduled to undergo the operation, he is found near the Massachusetts General Hospital, dead of a gunshot wound. Did he commit suicide, as the police suspect - or was he murdered?
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frank Clevenger delves into Snow's complex past and tortured relationships to unlock the identity of Snow's killer: Was it the wife who can never forgive what he's done to their child and their marriage, the son who loathes him, the beautiful mistress who loves him so deeply but can never have him, or the business partner intent on taking control of his inventions?
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frank Clevenger delves into Snow's complex past and tortured relationships to unlock the identity of Snow's killer: Was it the wife who can never forgive what he's done to their child and their marriage, the son who loathes him, the beautiful mistress who loves him so deeply but can never have him, or the business partner intent on taking control of his inventions?
August 14, 2025
It's been a while for a book to totally captivate me! This one definitely kept my mind working as I sat at the edge of my seat.
Murder Suicide centers on Dr. Frank Clevenger, a forensic psychiatrist drawn into a puzzling case: inventor John Snow is discovered dead of a gunshot outside the hospital just as he was about to undergo experimental brain surgery. Was it suicide—or murder? The narrative spirals as Clevenger uncovers a tangled web of relationships and motives involving Snow’s wife, his mistress, his children, and a business partner.
Murder Suicide delivers a cerebral, methodical experience for those who appreciate psychological thrillers grounded in procedural logic. The multiple suspects and emotional baggage make for an intricate mystery. If you're captivated by the underlying psychology of crime and enjoy a slower, character-driven pace, this is definitely a worthwhile read.
Murder Suicide centers on Dr. Frank Clevenger, a forensic psychiatrist drawn into a puzzling case: inventor John Snow is discovered dead of a gunshot outside the hospital just as he was about to undergo experimental brain surgery. Was it suicide—or murder? The narrative spirals as Clevenger uncovers a tangled web of relationships and motives involving Snow’s wife, his mistress, his children, and a business partner.
Murder Suicide delivers a cerebral, methodical experience for those who appreciate psychological thrillers grounded in procedural logic. The multiple suspects and emotional baggage make for an intricate mystery. If you're captivated by the underlying psychology of crime and enjoy a slower, character-driven pace, this is definitely a worthwhile read.
September 8, 2024
i really enjoyed this forensic psychiatry mystery. 1st time reading a bk written by this author & it made me eager to read more of this character. a definite page-turner w/ intriguing characters. my only complaint is i'd like more time with & character development of his investigative partner, North Anderson. also, shorter sex scenes, too, if not eliminating them entirely. implied sex is much better than vivid descriptions.
January 29, 2022
Epey tekdüze ilerleyen bir kitaptı, ana karakter polisten ziyade bir psikiyatrist olduğu içindir belki bilemiyorum. Çok basit yazılmış bir kitap olmasına rağmen keyif alarak okudum ama sonu tam bir hayal kırıklığıydı. Sayko şeyler okuyayım, şoklar içinden kalayım diyerek bir şeyler arıyorsanız bu kitap pek doğru bir tercih değil.
July 22, 2023
(4.5 ★)
This is the first book I read from Keith Ablow and definitely not the last one.
The plot twist was unraveled beautifully, this book made me gasp, cry and laugh out load, I loved it very very much.
The writing style grabbed me from the start I couldn’t get enough of this book, definitely will be purchasing the rest of the Frank Clevenger novels.
This is the first book I read from Keith Ablow and definitely not the last one.
The plot twist was unraveled beautifully, this book made me gasp, cry and laugh out load, I loved it very very much.
The writing style grabbed me from the start I couldn’t get enough of this book, definitely will be purchasing the rest of the Frank Clevenger novels.
November 29, 2025
An easy but exciting read. The character description feels raw and real. As a reader, it made me feel sympathy for some of them. I liked the pacing of book. It didnt feel rushed but also didn't feel stagnant with elaborate descriptions. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good crime mystery with a twist.
February 21, 2018
First time I've read a book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Being a forensic psychiatrist in real life definitely lends him credence in the field and the twists and turns of thman mind. A little bit of sex is always welcome and there is some of that as well.
February 23, 2019
Çok akıcı bir dili olsa da oldukça basit buldum ben. Analizlerin daha sağlam daha farklı olmasını isterdim ama bana göre sıradandı. Sonu da tahmin edilebilirdi. Ayrıca yoğunluk yoktu bence. Daha iyi olabilirdi. Polisiyeye yeni başlayanlar okuyabilir.
2,5/5
2,5/5
May 13, 2021
I've always loved anything involving detectives,cases and murders,and when I first saw the book I knew it would be one hell of a novel,the suspense,the thrills,everything about the book is just amazing
May 14, 2020
Good story. Fast moving.
February 16, 2021
I have read other books by this author and they were much better then this one.
February 5, 2022
As a fifth book within the Frank Clevenger series, it continues as a great psychological thriller.
Lots of twists and keeps the reader guessing until the end.
Lots of twists and keeps the reader guessing until the end.
June 7, 2022
Read in 2004. Murder mystery.
August 21, 2017
It was a fast read.
February 18, 2021
Ahım şahım bir şey değil ama okunulabilir.Kurgusu biraz sönüktü. Ortalama
December 12, 2014
I thought the book had a lot of complications that I enjoyed, and occasional got lost at, but I continued to push through the book, and I was very glad I did. I loved the book, but the only slip up it had was some of the explanations of how it could not have been the son of John Snow who killed him, but It was something to easily look over. Overall it deserves 4/5 stars by many more people because it is a great book with again many intricacies that make it thrilling to read, and if it did ever become a movie I don't think it would be a very good movie given the style that the book is in, but I would still go to see it just because of how good the book was.Keith Ablow
February 5, 2016
This is the 5th book in a series of 6 to date, and while I usually don't like "coming in in the middle", I did not feel like I was missing out on any great secrets. In fact, I will probably discover there was more than one spoiler in this book for one earlier in the series. Overall, I liked this - as it is right up my alley (no pun intended - you will know what I mean if you read no further than the first chapter of this book.) Murder most foul!! I will definitely read more by this author and will probably want to start back at the beginning in case there are any more spoilers in a later book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews