Book Review: Amnesia

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Amnesia     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
G. H. Ephron
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Medical   Thriller
Series: Dr. Peter Zak # 1
St. Martin’s, Sep 2000, $23.95, 304 pp.

Forensic psychologist Dr. Peter Zak of the Pearce Psychiatric Institute used to work as a consultant at the Massachusetts Public Defender’s Office. Two years have passed since he offered his services there. He advised a patient to plead not guilty by reason of insanity. When the person was freed, he stalked Peter and his wife because he took umbrage with the doctor calling him a lunatic. The maniac ultimately killed Peter’s spouse. Peter vowed never again would he work for the Public Defender.

However, a colleague asks Peter to help on a case, which peaks the doctor’s interest and he agrees. Sylvia Jackson was found in a graveyard with a bullet in her head. She remained in a coma for six weeks before regaining consciousness without any memory of what happened to her. She does not recall someone killed her boyfriend, leaving him in her bed. As her memory returns, she believes her former husband killed her boyfriend and tried to murder her. Peter and the defense tame believe her ex-spouse is innocent or is he just a clever psychopath.

This is a fine start to what appears to be an exciting medical mystery series. AMNESIA is a fascinating story centering on how professionals can manipulate real and false memories of a weakened person. Peter is an appealing character as an individual who has lost part of his soul, but is finally starting to recover his equilibrium. G.H. Ephron has created a fresh mystery that sub-genre fans will relish.

Harriet Klausner

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