Impostor (Alexander Gregory Thrillers, #1) by L.J. Ross

Impostor (Alexander Gregory Thrillers, #1) Reviews

• 
  Alan Cotterell

  Wow, that was a fantastic start to a new series. When I first heard there was a new series by the author I first thing was does that mean no more DCI Ryan. But thankfully not the case.
  Dr Alexander Gregory is an elite forensic psychologist and profiler. With a unique insight and skill set. I was hooked from page 1 and not let go until the end . Even them book 2 description has me hooked.
  Not one word was wasted, in this, wonderful emotive and descriptive piece about a small Irish town and it's people with a psychopath amongst them.
  I think I have my first contender for book of the year, it will be tough to beat. Deserves more than 5 Stars.
• 
  Carolyn

  This is a great start to a new series featuring forensic psychologist. Alexander Gregory currently works in a high security psychiatric hospital in London but was previously part of a now disbanded psychological profiling unit that worked with the police. The murder of a young woman in a small town in County Mayo has the local Gardai scratching their heads trying to find clues or motives and Alex is asked if he could provide a profile of the likely suspect.
  
  When Alex visits the murder scene and talks to the Gardai he believes that the well planned killing and staging of the victim, a well-loved mother and wife, suggests someone local hiding in plain sight who suffered great trauma when they were young. But with no fingerprints or DNA evidence left at the scene or that of a second murder it's hard for the Gardai to narrow down who in their community might be guilty.
  
  I don't know enough about psychology/psychiatry to know if a profiler can determine so much about a suspect from studying the crime itself but it makes an interesting premise for a crime series. As well as Alex's interactions with the police, we also see him at work in the psychiatric hospital, in particular in sessions a very difficult patient who killed two of her children through Munchausen's syndrome. He's an unassuming character, empathetic and not at all arrogant, who listens to those around him, although suffered from childhood trauma himself. I look forward to getting to know more about him as the series progresses.
  
• 
  Sarah

  Oh my days! From the opening pages of this book, I was well and truly hooked.
  
  I don’t want to say to much to spoil it for others but I was very much intrigued with the thread to do with Cathy Jones. The whole thing to do with her fascinated me and could understand to a certain extent why Alex seemed to be almost obsessed with her.
  
  Now I don’t know about you, but I am as intrigued as to the why’s, than just the who. Why do people kill? So for me, having a main character who is a forensic psychologist couldn’t have sold this book to me more. Whilst you feel the urgency of stopping a killer and finding out who is behind it. I knew that through Alex, we would also spend time on the why’s. Saying that though, when we find out who the killer is, wow I was blown away. Literally!
  
  Impostor is an absolutely fabulous start to a new crime series. I loved it, loved it, loved it! It started brilliant and the ending totally messed with my mind. The journey in between just made for a compulsive read. Omg I am so excited for book two!
  
  My thanks to the author for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
• 
  Nγx A∂яαstǝiα ❦ {In A Funk}

  I was fascinated and utterly hooked on the story. The plot is engrossing. The writing is easy to get into. The pacing is smooth. The characters were great, very likable and relatable. The mystery surrounding the plot is thrilling and excited and gets more intensed as the story progresses, it plays out in the minds and actions of the key characters, as the serial killer leaves a trail of death, fear, and suspicion where everyone is a potential suspect or possible next victim.
  The author gave us more than enough information for the story to be compelling and entertaining but careful as to not overwhelm us by it. We also had a compelling narration and Magnificent Landscape.
  
  ]|I{•-----⋘⋙--------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•--------⋘⋙-----•}I|[
  Gregory is such a multi dimensional character, we get to see the way he deciphers everything around him (𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆, 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔, 𝒐𝒃𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔...) in such an impressive manner, but also the way he connects not just with the killer or victim but their lives, death and the aftermath of those tragedy. And we get to see the effect that comes with treating the criminally insane. To step so deep into theirs minds that those shadows starts to rub on his heart and soul.
  I loved reading about his working theories every time we got some new info or evidence and i found myself agreeing or arguing with him out loud many times. The second i got a theory of my own i started 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒅 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 to see if i was right or not. And i was. Like 60% of the time and I gotta to say Idk when I was more excited, when proven right or proven wrong. Because the actual truth was not something 𝐈 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐀 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 saw coming. But hell i was very, very happy about it, that's for sure.
  I very much loved the moments and conversations he shared with Bill Douglas. If anyone deserve some fatherly love is our Alex. And also his interactions with our mama bear Maggie, that hug she gave him after his nightmare was sucha powerful moment in it's simplicity. Not to forget pretty much everyone else he came across with too, like those little talks with Padraig. Priceless.
  ]|I{•-----⋘⋙--------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•--------⋘⋙-----•}I|[
  Now this might be me being biased but I don't think i ever 𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 any 'barely there characters' as much as I hated Father Walsh, not so much as the man himself but as what he represents. It doesn't reflect on the book and It was just a short scene but the moment stayed with me. And It's in these moments I remember why I'm an Atheist. I get that you have your beliefs and abide to the rules of said religion but to believe that you would suffer eternal damnation if you 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐃 one of your fellow human from 𝐌𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 someone by reporting it, is what's wrong with religion. That threat or punishment (if you'd prefer) should not exist. Because letting that crime happened is what's going to 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔 not the other way around. Knowing that you could have stopped something that horrible from happening (𝑴𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓. 𝑹𝒂𝒑𝒆. 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒖𝒍𝒕. 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈...) but didn't, is just 𝐖𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆. Priests like doctors should be able to stop evil from happening if given the power without having the risk of impending doom on them.
  I'm ranting i know. . . I'm Sorry. I got carried away for a second there. Don't mind me. Seriously. Just Don't.
  
  . . .
• 
  Cititor Necunoscut

  La sugestia unei prietene am încercat ceva scris de L.J. Ross, o scriitoare populară în UK și nu regret deloc alegerea. Am ales o serie, cum alta, în care personaj principal este dr. Alex Gregory, psihiatru de meserie, cu un trecut într-o ramură a criminalisticii care încă stârnește controverse: profilul criminalist. Deducem că a colaborat în trecut cu poliția ca profiler și cazul a eșuat, iar el și echipa lui au devenit țapi ispășitori. Alex Gregory este un personaj destul de complex, cu propriile schelete în dulap, iar printre detaliile din anchetă vedem și câte ceva din ce se întâmplă la locul său de muncă, un spital de psihiatrie. Când o tânără mamă, iubită și respectată de întreaga comunitate din micul oraș Ballyfinny, County Mayo, Irlanda, este ucisă într-un mod brutal, cu totul atipic, primarul orașului, mama a doi dintre investigatorii orașului, îl cheamă pe dr Alex Gregory în ajutor (nu știu cât de credibil este acest lucru, dar neavând tangențe în acea zonă, mi se pare un mic, mic detaliu). Și când dr. Alex Gregory intră în scenă, ai impresia că nu s-au schimbat prea multe în cei 100 de ani dintre acțiunea din
  Alienistul lui Caleb Carr și prezentul lui L. J. Ross în privința atitudinii anchetatorilor față de spijinul primit de la psihiatrii.
  
  Cartea are acțiune, are consistență (deși este destul de scurtă pentru un thriller), are personaje frumos construite. Și are un sfârșit bun și surprinzător, chiar și după câteva sute de thrillere citite. Cu siguranță este o serie la care voi fi atentă în continuare.
  
  Pentru această carte am ales varianta audiobook și vocea naratorului este pur și simplu magnifică. Apoi cauți și tu pe google, să vezi cine poate avea așa o voce și îl vezi. Păi să te mai concetrezi pe acțiune?? Și accentul irlandez...
  
  
• 
  Barry

  Imposter is one of the more aptly named books I have ever read.
  
  Alexander Gregory was once, supposedly, a member of an elite psychological profiling group but is now serving as a psychologist in a hospital for the criminally insane, to use an old moniker. The author, however, appears to know nothing about psychology or psychologists. I feel comfortable in saying this because I spent my career working in applied psychology having received my doctorate from a quite well known university.
  
  I read about 60% of the book and was determined to complete it but, it was so badly done that I was unable to push myself to do so. L.J. Ross' failings included, but were not limited to the following. He seemed not to understand the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist and sometimes used the terms almost interchangeably. His protagonist, Gregory, operated as an investigator and did not, in the portion of the book that I read, use any psychological or profiling principles with which I am familiar. He did, unfortunately, use only the most simplistic forms of "pop" psychology of the type found in the many so-called self-help books written by charlatans and TV show hosts.
  
  The "therapeutic" approach used by Gregory in working with his patients was, at best, comical and at worst, ridiculous. In fact, the so-called therapist was downright hostile at times and at others, was just inappropriate. All in all, the portrayal could best be as wretched.
  
  Having said all of that, I will admit that the story was interesting and I really did want to stick with it long enough to find out who the murderer was but I lacked the tolerance.
  
  Over and Out
• 
  Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com)

  Unfortunately it was not a book for me.
  
  I read Impostor to completion but, being Irish myself, I was a bit surprised at some of the inaccuracies about Ireland within the text and the story line.
  
  The plot line was interesting but I just could not get beyond some glaring errors, in particular the continued reference to the Garda, used as the plural. It should read An Garda Síochána or the Gardaí. Also the Catholic church does not have Sunday School and the likelihood of a mayor of a small town in Mayo contacting a profiler in the UK for assistance in a murder inquiry over the heads of the local Gardaí just did not sit well with me.
  
  Not for me I'm afraid.....
• 
  Ken Kirkberry

  LJ Ross new series (a departure from DCI Ryan), the Impostor introduces forensic psychologist Doctor Alexander Gregory. Gregory’s day job is looking after patients at Southmoor Hospital in London but, he is called to assist the County Mayo police by profiling a killer. His last case did not go so well therefore. Gregory applies himself with increased determination to see this one through.
  Gregory is a complex character and will butt heads with other people, the town mayor and the head the Garda make a difficult start to his investigation. There is a sense of a typical small town where everyone knows each other, but maybe not as well as they think. Easy flowing story with surprises along the way and the standard unexpected twist at the end.
  
• 
  Kerry

  WOW! What a start to a new series!!
  Those who know me well will know I’m a massive fan of LJ Ross and her DCI Ryan Mysteries. I was SO excited when I discovered there was going to be a new series featuring forensic psychologist Alexander Gregory and I couldn’t wait to read it. It will be released on 31st October and you are in for a real treat!
  A quiet town, with a close-knit community, in Ireland is shocked by the devastating death of a young mother. She has lost her life at the hands of another and it’s clear her murder has been planned and meticulously executed. This was no random act of violence.
  Alexander Gregory’s help is requested as a profiler and although reluctant he decides to assist in any way he can. Nothing could prepare him for what he was about to become involved in, but his expertise proves to be crucial in finding this killer.
  Nothing could prepare me for that ending! SO clever!
  I loved the characters in this book, some very complex. I loved learning more about Gregory. I loved the setting, the whole everyone knowing everyone’s business (or thinking they do) aspect of a small town. The disbelief that one of their own could be capable of such horrific crimes is very believable. There is such depth to the characters that LJ Ross writes so they very easily seem like real people to me. The plot and twists throughout the story are genius, but the characters really make it for me. Once again, I was instantly drawn in and invested in their stories.
  This is another book which commanded my attention from the very first to the very last page and I will have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone. I can’t wait for book 2!
  A big thank you to LJ Ross for my review copy.
  
  
  https://chataboutbooks.blog/2019/10/2...
  
  
• 
  Cheryl

  Simply superb!
• 
  Cathy Ryan

  Forensic psychologist Dr Alexander Gregory’s assistance has been requested, in his capacity as a profiler, from the mayor of Ballyfinny, County Mayo.
  
  Liam Kelly had arrived home with his daughter after her swimming class to find his pregnant wife murdered in their home. Meticulously planned and executed, Claire Kelly’s murder begs the question would an outsider be able to plan and carry out an attack of this nature, as the Gardaí believed. Alex wasn’t so sure. That such a thing could happen in the small, close knit community has shocked and saddened the residents of Ballyfinny beyond measure.
  
  Initially reluctant to accept the request after a profiling unit he was a member of previously became the scapegoat when a case went awry. His life revolves around his work with people legally detained by the courts for their own safety and that of others, but some soul searching and a conversation with his friend and mentor changes his mind and Alex agrees to travel to Ireland.
  
  The flight to Ireland in the small plane was a white knuckle ride and Alex was thankful to touch down, although the sight of green hills and glistening lakes that greeted him once they were through the layers of cloud almost made it all worthwhile. Mayor Margaret Byrne was there to meet him. Her sons, Niall and Connor, are the two main officers heading the investigation and she makes it plain there’s opposition to bringing in an outsider. The introduction of a profiler, especially one who doesn’t ‘belong’, adds a different angle, one that I enjoyed very much.
  
  Alex is a deep, complex character who is deeply affected by those he deals with, which causes him to be tormented by nightmares. He tends to be guarded and, although we do get to know him up to a point, I think this introduction only really scratches the surface leaving much to be explored in future books. I look forward to seeing how his character develops. He has an instinct for understanding criminals and the way their minds work which is put to good use in this story, despite the initial local scepticism. It’s a moving story given the murderer’s methods and the closeness of the community. The characters are all well drawn and diverse, not at all prepared for the events that develop.
  
  The small, typically Irish town and surrounding scenery is vividly portrayed, as are the feelings of fearfulness and suspicion where before there was only a sense of community and ease. Impostor is a very well written, steadily evolving plot with a strong opening, an ending that came as a complete surprise and several potential suspects popping up throughout. Hugh Dancy’s narration is wonderful, achieving the perfect combination of tone, seriousness, and realistic accents.
• 
  Thebooktrail

  
  
  
  VISIT THE LOCATIONS IN THE NEW L J ROSS NOVEL
  
  
  You know when a top author writes a new series with a new characters and a totally new setting (where setting has in the past been key) and you wonder if this new series is going to have that same charm and interest?
  
  Well you will not be disappointed. L J Ross has moved to County Mayo (well not really but the first in the new series is set here)
  
  It's gripping, it's exciting with a fresh premise and a great lead character. LOTS to like here. The writing is as effortless as ever and the characters are those you immediately care about and invest in.
  
  Out in October but put this cracking new series on your wish list!
  
  
  The full review on The BookTrail
• 
  Nancy

  4.5 Stars! What a great book, so glad to have seen a few very positive Goodreader review's on this. This was just the well-written style mystery that I have been looking for these past few weeks. L.J. Ross writes all characters well but Cathy Jones is an extremely interesting one. Almost grabs you as Hannibal Lecture did. Alexander Gregory is also very well written and believable. All characters are believable, something I've been missing in the last half-dozen books.
  
  Well done L.J. Ross! Can't wait for #2 to be released.
• 
  Tripfiction

  Thriller set mainly in COUNTY MAYO
  
  
  
  Meet L J Ross’s new protagonist, Dr Alexander Gregory, who is a forensic psychologist working in South London. This is the start of a new series featuring the good doctor and make a change in scenery and character from the author’s hugely popular DCI Ryan series set around the North East (but expect more DCI Ryan in the coming months, he has not gone AWOL!).
  
  Dr Gregory is in his London office, working in the unit with a woman who has killed 2 of her 3 children and he spends time with her, trying to unravel her psyche and reasoning. The call comes in for him to attend a murder investigation in County Mayo, where Claire Kelly, a young mother, has been murdered by a stab wound straight to the heart. She has then been laid out in her young daughter’s bed, cuddling a toy. Dr Gregory has been invited in but he not only has to work out the MO of the perpetrator but also has to carefully negotiate hostility amongst the locals, as of course he is an incomer. Two stepbrothers are the police offers running the case. What are the chances of that? But the questions remains, what can he possibly do that they cannot do themselves? He is a skilled and experienced profiler, that’s what.
  
  Claire Kelly’s funeral comes and goes and as he makes his way around the locality we get a peek at this slightly tortured man who, it seems, suffers from impostor syndrome. Is he good enough, really, to be called in as an expert in the case, when those around him have failed? Nightmares and torments plague him but these all build up the flawed, (and needless to say, good looking, with green eyes) character who is quietly being introduced to his readers. He is “a healer first and foremost… not a red blooded man like any other”. But he does have some rather inappropriate secrets!
  
  He returns from his first stint in fictional Ballyfilly, only to be notified of a second killing and it is more than clear that he has a serial killer on his hands. He now has to work against time as he just knows that another murder is likely to happen soon.
  
  This is a nicely plotted thriller that smoothly transports the reader through to the concluding scenes.
• 
  Paul Ataua

  Yet another of those heroes with a traumatic past who solves a mystery. It’s one that could have been very ordinary , but turned out to be quite entertaining . It’s low on suspense, but has a well-constructed plot, and has a mystery that unravels nicely. I thought the frequent dream sequences were a little overdone, and didn’t much care for the profiler as a character, but it was a positive read and I will get around to the second in the series in the coming months.
• 
  Eleanor Wheeler

  A fairly middle of the road murder mystery.
  
  We follow the story through the eyes of a profiler called in to help catch a killer in a small Irish community. There is nothing really new or surprising going on here but if murder mysteries are your jam it's another series to get your fix from. A nice short shot of murder...
  
  We did get some interesting background info in our profiler at the end so I hope to see this series develop in a positive way in the future.
• 
  Sherrie

  A great start to this new series about profiler Alex Gregory. This one was set in Ireland, I liked the couple of subtle references to Ryan back in Northumbria. It kept me guessing and had a couple of twists I didn't see coming!
• 
  Meggy Chocolate'n'Waffles

  Having heard so much about L.J Ross, I was over the moon when I was asked if I would like to read and review Imposter. Ask a kid if he’d like a cookie from his favorite brand!

  
  BOOK PROFILE
  OFFENDER: L.J. Ross
  Victim(s): readers from all over the world
  Police Liaison(s): Meggy Roussel, crime fiction wizard
  
  In compiling this profile, I have considered all available information made available to me from the novel and have analyzed any available emotional and physical reaction from my person.
  This profile contains a list of reasons why Imposter should immediately be added to your reading list.
  
  This book is bloody brilliant!
  
  Alright, this was not very professional, let’s start again!
  
  THIS BOOK IS BRILLIANT, BUY IT!
  
  Hm. Not working so well…
  
  Back to the profile.
  

  Are you looking for evidence that a good prologue can make or break a book? L.J.Ross opens Imposters with a small chapter than made goosebumps break out on my arms and a bad taste invade my mouth. Disturbing, it left me upset and confused. Confused in a terribly good way. Many questions were swirling around in my head, and I had no idea that this was only a matter of time before more piled up! There is no wasted word. Each sentence hits its target with precision. It took me less than a minute to be drawn to the author’s subtle, intense, and particularly fine writing.

  
  

  In a tiny part of Ireland, the Guarda is running out of time and options. A killer is on the loose. Women fall like flies chased by my grandmother on a scorching day. No one manages to discern a pattern. Women, wives, mothers. What is the link?

  
  

  When Dr Alexander Gregory is asked to help, he is reluctant at first. Indeed, a former case requiring profiling had exploded in the media, turning Gregory into a scapegoat taking the blame… But his expertise might be the only way to put an end to a series of murders…

  
  

  Alexander Gregory is a fascinating character. Plagued with nightmares throughout the book, he raises the question of what it means to be a forensic psychologist. You might believe the risks are low but L.J. Ross shed lights on something that I am really intrigued by. What becomes of the man in the shadow of the psychologist? Wandering through the behavior and mind of others can be a lonely road. Where do you turn when everyone is looking at you, hoping for more than you can offer? Because profiling does help, but no killer names appear out of a hat. Moreover, it takes more than a profile to connect paper and reality. The author has done a brilliant job at creating a clever, strong protagonist with enough personality to let him shine without taking over the stage. Alexander doesn’t have a personal relationship but can count on his mentor, and their discussions were equally mesmerizing and sad. I strongly felt for this character and, let’s be honest, he has become a favorite of mine!

  
  

  Finding your way in a small rural community is no easy task and Dr Gregory doesn’t receive the warmest welcome, despite being ‘invited’ by the mayor. The book captures the toxicity of remote places and villages where everyone knows everyone’s business. Evidence points towards a culprit who is familiar with the place and its inhabitants. When this idea is out, Alexander is met with some resistance. Secrets are hiding all around and people want to keep it this way.

  
  

  I found it very refreshing and exciting to see a different angle being used for this case. Alexander has one foot in the door, the other firmly out, and even if the police is around and working, we don’t get to work based on their views. This freedom gives our forensic psychologist enough room to study everyone he meets, and he is definitely impressive in his observations. Thankfully, he is no super-hero, so the book always remains on the realistic side of the world.

  
  

  This all makes for an intricate plot filled with an outstanding examination of characters. I was at a loss, unable to figure out what would happen next. The mystery is so tightly weaved that I was taken by surprise, and boy, what an amazing feeling it is! The ending was simply perfect, leaving me begging for more!
• 
  Dee-Cee It's all about the books

  I have to say I was super excited when I heard that Louise had a new book coming out but I’ll admit I was a wee bit apprehensive. Being a huge DCI Ryan fan (I may be a little bit in love with him) I did wonder if I would connect with Doctor Alexander Gregory, would I be as enthralled and intrigued as I am when I read a DCI Ryan mystery?
  
  Well all I can say to that is “HELL YES”. Ootcha boy you are in for one heck of treat with Doctor Alexander Gregory.
  
  Impostor starts off running and doesn’t stop, from the very first page I was hooked and fans of the DCI Ryan Mysteries will recognise Doctor Alexander Gregory, he’s a Forensic Psychologist and is known for getting deep inside the darkest of minds. So when a mother is brutally killed in Ballyfinny the small Irish community are shocked to their core, the Garda have no leads and Gregory’s help is called upon in the hope that he can draw up a psychological profile and bring the murderer to justice.
  
  Having been made a scape goat in the past, Gregory is reluctant to attend and leave his job at Southmoor hospital and on arrival it’s clear that this case will be more complicated than first expected. The Mayor, Maggie Byrne and her two sons who are both Garda and leading the investigation are convinced it has to be an outsider, no one in their close knit community could possibly commit a crime like this one but Gregory isn’t convinced.
  
  Gregory is quite a mysterious and complex character and I absolutely loved getting to know him throughout this book but I think we’ve just skimmed the surface with this character and I really can’t wait to find out more about him.
  
  The story flows so well, sometimes when starting a new book/series it can take a little while to get into it but I found with Impostor that I was invested straight away. The writing is almost like putting on a comfy pair of slippers, although it’s new characters and a new setting it was so easy to just to fall into the story and get swept away with the beautiful Irish setting and characters.
  
  The mystery in the story really had me quite baffled, I was convinced so many times I knew what was going to happen but again my detective skills are rubbish and was hugely surprised on many occasions where the story took me.
  
  I really am so excited to read more about Doctor Alexander Gregory and see where the author takes us next and I’m so happy we don’t have long to wait with the next book Hysteria set to be released in December.
  
  So if you are looking for a good book to snuggle up with on these cold nights then I definitely recommend Impostor although be prepared to read it in one sitting because as soon as you start you really won’t want to put this fantastic book down.
• 
  Tracy Shephard

  LJ Ross is an incredible storyteller, and Imposter is a brilliant start to what is going to be an interesting and evocative series.
  DR Alex Gregory is given the task of profiling a killer for the Garda of County Mayo. A killer who is targeting women, who are loving wives and mothers.
  I loved how my mind bounced about, suspecting one first one character then another, it really was quite a guessing game.
  The small community of Ballyfinny are close knitted, but there are a few with dark secrets that they want to keep hidden.
  Alex himself, has a memory that gives him night terrors. He doesn't have a personal relationship and he keeps his feelings closely guarded.
  His job as a psychiatrist, means he meets the insane, the bad and the tragic, I found the insight of his job interesting and Ms Ross made the tale amazingly realistic.
  I loved this book, I read it in one sitting and towards the end I raced through it, the twisty and surprising end was fabulous... But quite sad.
  
  I cannot wait for HYSTERIA.
  
  
• 
  Ted Tayler

  "A genuine twist"
  
  Hard to find what to say except it's a page-turning, exciting read from start to an unexpected finish.
• 
  Barbara Rogers

  Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
  Series: Alexander Gregory Thrillers #1
  Publication Date: 10/31/19
  Period: Contemporary
  Number of Pages: 311
  
  I have read and loved this author’s DCI Ryan series and was pleased to find she had another series I hadn’t tried. I also liked that this protagonist isn’t a member of the police, but works with them as a profiler. He has a horrendous background you’ll learn about as you move through the book and you’ll wonder how he is as sane as he is. He’s an excellent character and I look forward to seeing his growth.
  
  A few years ago Dr. Alexander (Alex) Gregory along with his friend and mentor Professor William Douglas started a Criminal Profiler unit. They were quite successful until a case went wrong and Scotland Yard threw them under the bus. They disbanded the unit and Alex continued his work at Southmoor High Security Psychiatric Hospital.
  
  Alex had no interest in criminal profiling again, but William talked him into taking a case in Ireland. The mayor of Ballyfinny, County Mayo, Ireland had contacted William asking for help with a bizarre murder in her small community. The mayor and everyone in the community are convinced the perpetrator is an outsider, but they have no clues and no idea how to find any. They need a profile of the murderer so they will have some idea of where/how to begin looking.
  
  Alex isn’t sure the perpetrator is an outsider – but he’s keeping an open mind. Both of the Irish Garda who are working the case are the sons of the mayor. Neither of them welcomes Alex but will work with him to please their mother. With the Garda eyes turned outward – and Alex’s turned inward – it is going to be a long slog to find the perpetrator. Who could it be?
  
  When another unthinkable murder occurs, everyone is up-in-arms wanting a solution. The victims, are both loving, caring, and giving mothers who have been posed in scenes that mean something only to the perpetrator. Who could do such heinous things? Surely not someone who lives in their lovely, quiet community.
  
  I enjoyed this book, but I am not as captivated by Alex as I have been by DCI Ryan. It is nice that Alex and Ryan are friends and Ryan gets a couple of honorable mentions in the story. I will skip a couple of books and try a later one before I decide if I’m interested in continuing with the series. It is well-written, the characters are engrossing, and the mystery is almost insoluble.
  
• 
  Julie Lacey

  I’m a bit late reading this series but it was worth the wait.
  Dr Alex Gregory is asked to help profile a killer in Ireland but is met with a frosty reception.
  He wins a few of the locals round when they understand what he’s there to do but others clearly don’t trust him.
  Someone is killing women and posing them in their homes after their death.
  Alex soon realises the killer is local to the area and it’s a shock for the Garda and the mayor to hear this.
  I tried to guess the identity of the killer but got it completely wrong!
  This is a great thriller with a psychological twist.
• 
  Shashwat Konar

  Well written and reasonably fast paced. Liked the way the characters were built and the theme around criminal psychology. Its a page turner that will not leave one bored. The analysis is good, but not perfect