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One can get mixed feelings when an author does his own reading of his latest novel. This may have the effect of a double-edged sword. Can a good writer be a good storyteller or vice versa? There is no need to be concerned with Keith Ablow's latest work. The author knows what he wants to tell and how to say it. The only spoiler is in the abridgment of the book. One can't help but wonder what details were omitted. Some of the scenes happened a bit too fast questioning what was left out. The title character of the book refers to Dr. Jonah Wrens (a good argument can be made with Dr. Frank Clevenger as well). Wrens is a brilliant psychiatrist who also happens to be a serial killer. He has deep attachment issues and he does not stay to long in one place hating conformity. He would work at a local hospital in a small town and after a number of weeks move to another one. This is not a rare occurrence. Some small town hospitals can't afford a full-time psychiatrist and they could be hired on a person-to -person basis. Dr. Wrens does his best to control his homicidal urges, but at times the rage is overwhelming. The one difference he has with other murderers is that he is extremely careful and does not do anything to attract any attention towards him. Dr. Frank Clevenger is a regular in most of Keith Ablow's novels. He is unorthodox in dealing with criminals and is also recovering from drug addiction. He is recruited by the FBI to help them track the person they dubbed "The Highway Killer".. Due to extensive media coverage Dr. Wrens is alerted and starts a correspondence with Dr. Clevenger. They will do a quid pro quo to try to understand each other and hope to stop any additional murders. The narration swing back and forth between the two doctors showing a glimpse into their psyches and making no apologies for their behavior. It will continue until the expected showdown near the end of the book. In its limited format, Ablow keeps the suspense moving in a fast pace. He does a good job in portraying each of the two doctors and reading them as two separate individuals. Both of these characters are self-righteous in their own way, leaving the reader decide as to their credibility. Ablow shows the pat each doctor chose and what they decide to do with it. PSYCHOPATH is a good story that will keep you enthralled till the very end. Ablow's narrative, both orally and holographically, remains strong.
Reviewed by Angel L. Soto, July 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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