Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Projection
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Keith Ablow
Class/Genre: Mystery Adult Content Medical Serial Killer
Series: Frank Clevenger # 2
Pantheon, Sep 1999, $24.00, 320 pp.
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frank Clevenger observes the trial of plastic surgeon Dr. Trevor Lucas with extreme trepidation. The police charged Trevor with killing and mutilating two women. He landed in a psycho ward when he deliberately broke his arm in three places. After Trevor’s incarceration, two more identical murders occur, but the police believe a copy cat killer committed the acts of violence.
However, Frank knows otherwise, feeling guilty that his testimony helped lead to an innocent person becoming insane for crimes he never committed. Furthermore, Frank never expected Lucas to gain total command over his residential psychiatric unit. Trevor controls all the inmates and has captured several hostages, including a pregnant woman. Trevor demands that Frank visit him, a request the psychiatrist does both out of guilt and a need to reach Trevor so that the situation can peacefully end. Frank knows that he will either die or help his host gain some inner harmony.
PROJECTION is a tale about a classic anti-hero performing insane actions to prevent further murders. In spite of the character’s obvious flaw, readers will understand that the tortured individual retains an honorable soul. This allows him to break laws for the good of his “patient”. Though this story line is an action-packed psychological suspense, the psychopath and the psychiatrist will fascinate mystery fans too because they are different sides of the same coin.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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