Title: THE PSYCHOLOGIST’S SHADOW
Author: Laury A. Egan
ISBN: 9781915905208
Publisher: Enigma Books
Pages: 336
Source: Review copy from the Publisher
Blog Tour Organised by Random Things Tours
In October 1992, Dr. Ellen Haskell begins a new therapy practice in Princeton after a tragic error with a former client. Demoralized by her failure, Ellen strives to restore her emotional and professional confidence. Her parents have departed for Greece, leaving Ellen alone in their secluded country house. As the reader is introduced to her roster of clients through their individual sessions, Ellen becomes unnerved when she receives hang-up phone calls and a series of bizarre gifts from an anonymous admirer—at first at her office and then at home. As the obsessive lover increasingly invades her life, Ellen’s anxiety crescendos and she begins to fear the stalker’s behavior will escalate into violence.
Official Summary
24 November 2023
“The Psychologist’s Shadow” by Laury A. Egan is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the haunting consequences of past mistakes. Set against the backdrop of Princeton in October 1992, the novel follows Dr Ellen Haskell, a psychologist who opens a new therapy practice to rebuild her shattered confidence after a tragic incident with a former client.
Egan skilfully weaves a narrative that draws readers into Ellen’s world, exploring her struggles with guilt and self-doubt. The author uses Ellen’s sessions with various clients as a clever device to unravel the story, providing insights into the intricacies of human psychology. Each client becomes a piece of the puzzle, contributing to the suspense and tension that steadily builds throughout the novel.
The atmosphere of isolation is effectively portrayed as Ellen finds herself alone in her parents’ secluded country house while they are away in Greece. This setting intensifies the sense of vulnerability, creating a perfect backdrop for the psychological thriller to unfold. As the story progresses, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, empathizing with Ellen’s internal turmoil and growing apprehension.
The suspense deepens when Ellen begins to receive unsettling hang-up calls and mysterious gifts from an anonymous admirer. Egan skilfully captures the escalating anxiety and fear that permeate Ellen’s life as the obsessive lover invades her personal space, both at her office and home. The author masterfully builds tension, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, wondering how far the stalker will go.
What makes “The Psychologist’s Shadow” stand out is Egan’s exploration of the thin line between psychological intrigue and the potential for real danger. The fear of the unknown and the psychological toll it takes on the protagonist are portrayed with nuance and depth. The narrative is peppered with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
“The Psychologist’s Shadow” is a skilfully crafted psychological thriller that immerses readers in a world of suspense and psychological complexity. With well-developed characters, a compelling plot, and a chilling atmosphere, the novel is a must-read for fans of the genre. Egan’s exploration of the psychological impact of a disturbed admirer adds an extra layer of depth to this gripping tale of fear and redemption.
DID YOU VISIT THE OTHER TOUR STOPS?
About The Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Laury A. Egan is the author of thirteen books of fiction: The Black Leopard’s Kiss & The Writer Remembers, The Psychologist’s Shadow, The Firefly, Once Upon an Island. Wave in D Minor, Doublecrossed, Turnabout, The Swimmer, The Ungodly Hour, A Bittersweet Take, Fabulous!, An Opera Buffa, The Outcast Oracle (Listed as a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013) and Jenny Kidd, with one title forthcoming: Jack & I. Her stories have been collected in Fog and Other Stories and her short fiction and poems have appeared in 85 literary journals and in multiple anthologies. Two full-length poetry volumes, Snow, Shadow and Stranger and Beneath the Lion’s Paw were issued in limited edition as were two chapbooks Presence & Absence and The Sea & Beyond. Laury is also a fine arts photographer, a former book designer and a reviewer for The New York Journal of Books. She lives on the northern coast of New Jersey.
Thank you to Anne Cater from Random Things Tours for including me on this tour. This one is an interesting read that is sure to keep you entertained. Thank you for visiting the blog – your continued support is much appreciated.
Thanks for the blog tour support x
Always a pleasure
Wow! What a fantastic review! I am so, so pleased! Thank you for reading “The Psychologist’s Shadow” and taking the time to write such an in-depth commentary. I’d like to feature a few lines…who should I credit?