Book Review: Compulsion

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Compulsion     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Keith Ablow
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Forensics   Psychological Suspense   Thriller
Series: Frank Clevenger # 3
St. Martin’s, July 2002, $24.95, 320 pp.

Brooke and Tess are identical twin girls born to billionaire Darwin Bishop and his beautifully charismatic wife Julia. They also have two adopted sons, Graham the golden boy and sixteen year old Billy who has been in and out of psychiatric institutions all his life and is known to the local authorities for his violent behavior.

When Brooke unexpectedly dies, Darwin immediately thinks that his son murdered his sister. Nantucket police officer North Anderson isn’t convinced that Billy is guilty and brings forensic psychologist Dr. Frank Clevenger on the case. Frank believes that everyone that was in the house except for baby Tess is a likely suspect and he risks his own life to uncover the truth.

The moment one starts reading this fascinating crime thriller one is compelled to finish it in one sitting. Like the protagonist, readers will find it hard, if not impossible, to figure out who killed the infant because all the suspects have motives, meaning and opportunity. Keith Ablow is a gifted storyteller who ha written an exceptional tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner