Dark Alchemy

Dr. Sylvia Strange #5

by Sarah Lovett, Joyce Bean (Reader)

Dr. Sylvia Strange - forensic psychiatrist and expert on criminal sexuality - returns in a thrilling new suspense novel and comes head-to-head with a terrifying serial killer whose weapon of choice is a poison nearly impossible to trace and, when ingested, nearly impossible to counteract. A baffling series of deaths have occurred over the span of a decade in some of the most prestigious research laboratories around the world. Now Dr. Sylvia Strange, forensic expert, and criminal profiler Edmund Sweetheart, FBI consultant, are called in to investigate what is looking like murder. Their prime suspect is Dr. Christine Palmer, a brilliant scientist whose work with scientific think tanks around the world made her one of three scientists knowledgeable about exotic neurotoxins and their antidotes. What follows is a taut and terrifying investigation, in which Sylvia finds herself able to trust no one - but herself.

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Sarah Lovett is currently collaborating with former CIA covert operative, Valerie Plame Wilson, co-authoring the second book (fall 2014) in a series of “Vanessa Pierson” spy novels for Penguin Books/Blue Rider Press. The series debut, BLOWBACK, is due out October 2013.

Lovett is the author of Dark Alchemy, Dantes’ Inferno, Dangerous Attachments, Acquired Motives, and A Desperate Silence as well as 25 nonfiction travel and science books written primarily for children.

The five novels in Lovett’s crime fiction series, featuring forensic psychologist Dr. Sylvia Strange, have been translated into a dozen languages, her non-fiction books include the award-winning “Extremely Weird” children’s series, which also aired as a network television special. Her short fiction and how-to pieces are included in anthologies, and she has worked as a freelancer for newspapers, magazines, and National Public Radio.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Lovett worked as a legal researcher for the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General, an executive director of a non-profit theater, a jazz dancer, a playwright, a gas station attendant, an upholstery assistant, and a bartender. It was her experience working in the New Mexico State Penitentiary and the exposure to prison issues that led her to write her first crime series. While researching for the series, Lovett earned a degree in criminal justice.

When she’s not on deadline, Lovett works with writers as a coach, teacher and consultant. She has been a presenter at writing conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

A native Californian, she lives in Santa Fe with her family.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When forensic psychologist Dr. Sylvia Strange is asked to profile a suspected serial poisoner working for the government, a game of cat and mouse ensues.

Complex characters, highly suspenseful. Series best when read in order. Recommend.

[Ms.soule · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great set-up, but the story fell apart in the end.