Book Review: Deep Sleep

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Deep Sleep     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Charles Wilson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Medical   Thriller
St. Martin's, Feb 2001, $24.95, 320 pp.

The South Louisiana Sleep Disorders Institute is located near the famous bayous. It is not your typical sleep disorder clinic. Instead, the place caters to customers desiring to live out their fantasies in a dream state. Though weird by local standards, the clinic had no incidents until the night three people died there. The owner, psychologist Dr. Sasha Dominique, has her own history as she once turned in her mother and brother for murdering her uncle.

The strangled body of patient Massey Rivet was found near the water while another client Mr. Womack vanished leaving everything he owned behind except his car. The latter's fingerprints seem o match those found on the victim's neck. Two more corpses are found whose deaths are attributed to Womack. Only Detective Mark French keeps an open mind, as he investigates what appears is an open and shut case with such an obvious suspect on the lam.

Charles Wilson has written an exciting novel that will send readers seeking the help of sleep clinics, as the audience will finish the book in one sitting. DEEP SLEEP gradually builds up the tension to the point that anticipating fans will need (with a capital N) to know what happens next. The mystery is well thought out showing what one sees in a mirror is not often a true reflection of reality. For anyone who prefers a taut thriller with a shocking climax, this is the book to read.

Harriet Klausner

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