Synopsis
When child and family therapist Wilson Corder takes 4-year-old Jerry Parker as a client, he knows the work will be heart-wrenching – Jerry’s sister was abducted and murdered and he was the only witness. But he has no idea his life will soon be in as much danger as Jerry’s or his sister’s.
Reviews
"Crutcher, a Spokane, Wash., family counselor, writes with heartwrenching realism about the cases observed by Corder, in a tone both empathetic and matter of fact. The key case here involves 4-year-old Jerry Parker, so traumatized by the abduction of his sister that he is unable to aid the police. Soon, Corder's own family is endangered in this multilayered mystery debut, remarkable not only for its frenetic final pages but also for a probing of domestic violence that is never condescending."
~ SUSAN TOEPFER, People Magazine
"The worst fears of therapist Wilson Corder come true in YA novelist Crutcher's harrowing glimpse into child abuse....a riveting climax. Sensitive and judiciously humorous writing further distinguishes the story."
~Publisher's Weekly
"Crutcher aims this novel at a mature audience; it's grisly and frank in its treatment of the problems of child abuse and neglect. Corder is threatened with violence to his own children as he helps police comb the American Northwest for the kidnappers of one of his clients. Characters are vividly drawn, especially the beleaguered protagonist and the kidnappers--men driven to cruelty by the abuse they suffered in childhood. Highly recommended for public libraries."
~Library Journal
"As a family therapist dealing with abused children and their dysfunctional parents, Wilson Corder is familiar with violence. Now, for the first time, he finds himself the target. Someone wants him to stop treating 4-year-old Jerry Parker, traumatized by the abduction and murder of his older sister ... Chris Crutcher has produced a dandy thriller, notable both for its impeccable background (Crutcher is himself a family conselor) and its unrelenting suspense."
~ San Diego Union Tribune
"...elements crescendo to a gripping, bone-chilling climax. Alone, the realism of the child abuse is depressing and overwhelming, but Crutcher's superb, sensitive style coupled with the prudent use of his unique humor makes this a first-rate, 'can't-put-it-down' novel."
~Mike Printz, School Library Journal
"Crutcher's needle-sharp focus on hurting kids makes this memorably harrowing from the starting gun."
~Kirkus
"This highly suspenseful thriller will keep readers riveted!"
~Santa Clara County Library
~ SUSAN TOEPFER, People Magazine
"The worst fears of therapist Wilson Corder come true in YA novelist Crutcher's harrowing glimpse into child abuse....a riveting climax. Sensitive and judiciously humorous writing further distinguishes the story."
~Publisher's Weekly
"Crutcher aims this novel at a mature audience; it's grisly and frank in its treatment of the problems of child abuse and neglect. Corder is threatened with violence to his own children as he helps police comb the American Northwest for the kidnappers of one of his clients. Characters are vividly drawn, especially the beleaguered protagonist and the kidnappers--men driven to cruelty by the abuse they suffered in childhood. Highly recommended for public libraries."
~Library Journal
"As a family therapist dealing with abused children and their dysfunctional parents, Wilson Corder is familiar with violence. Now, for the first time, he finds himself the target. Someone wants him to stop treating 4-year-old Jerry Parker, traumatized by the abduction and murder of his older sister ... Chris Crutcher has produced a dandy thriller, notable both for its impeccable background (Crutcher is himself a family conselor) and its unrelenting suspense."
~ San Diego Union Tribune
"...elements crescendo to a gripping, bone-chilling climax. Alone, the realism of the child abuse is depressing and overwhelming, but Crutcher's superb, sensitive style coupled with the prudent use of his unique humor makes this a first-rate, 'can't-put-it-down' novel."
~Mike Printz, School Library Journal
"Crutcher's needle-sharp focus on hurting kids makes this memorably harrowing from the starting gun."
~Kirkus
"This highly suspenseful thriller will keep readers riveted!"
~Santa Clara County Library
