Rating: 
Summary: Burn Out
Review: This is a fine debut smartly paced with all the twists and turns anyone could wish. Unusual for a debut, "Denial" is not plot heavy nor does it have a cast of thousands for us to keep track of.Dr. Frank Clevenger is about as anti-hero as I have ever read; he is an all around addict: coke, sex, alcohol, and gambling. Plus, he plays the blame game on himself for every misstep in his life. I always feel when reading a mystery that the protagonist is my pilot, constant companion and must see us both successfully to the finish. After Dr. Clevenger, my next trip will be with someone more like McDonald's Travis McGee, who I can depend upon to not fold on me until the last villain is vanquished. With Frank, I was exhausted trying to get us both to the end without cracking up. Frank is given a mercy job by an ambitious sheriff to sign off on whether an accused murderer's confession is admissible. The accused insists he is General William Westmoreland among other visions and ramblings. This murder sends Frank on a quest to find the guilty party who is viciously slaughtering his victims. The story is replete with abused and emotionally crippled victims, Frank included. The author's empathy and expertise are shown in representing these people. I admired the level of professionalism Dr. Ablow displayed in his understanding of state hospitals bureaucracy and the patients treated there. "Denial" has a high level of eroticism that is in keeping with Frank's character; however, it may be too steamy for some readers. The book shows talent and promise. I will look for more works by this author.
-sweetmolly- Amazon Reviewer
Rating:
Summary: I Don't Give Out 5 Stars
Review: This is a really great book if you like psychological thrillers. It is very graphic so not for the wimps of the world. Read this book first as it sets up the others. His second book is "Projection" and while a page turner it is almost too graphic, but it is well done. The rest of the series has less blood and guts but he does a better job of writing. If you like page turners and quick reads written well, you will enjoy all of his books. The author really knows his stuff and does an excellent job all the way around.
Rating:
Summary: I Don't Give Out 5 Stars
Review: This is a really great book if you like psychological thrillers. It is very graphic so not for the wimps of the world. Read this book first as it sets up the others. His second book is "Projection" and while a page turner it is almost too graphic, but it is well done. The rest of the series has less blood and guts but he does a better job of writing. If you like page turners and quick reads written well, you will enjoy all of his books. The author really knows his stuff and does an excellent job all the way around.
Rating:
Summary: Disturbing Themes
Review: We have a seriously disturbed protagonist on our hands here who is gripped by a multitude of weaknesses. Frank Clevenger is a forensic psychologist, although it's the weakness of his own mind that becomes startlingly apparent. The books begins with a gruesome murder that seems open and shut after a suspect, covered in the victim's blood, is found with the body. The suspect, however, is schizophrenic and may not be mentally fit to stand trial. This is where Clevenger is called into the case to assess the suspect. From the opening pages, though, it's obvious that all is not well with Clevenger as he reveals the vices to which he is a slave. And it's not just one or two that has hold of him, you can take your pick from drugs, alcohol, sex or gambling. If it's self-destructive, he's got it covered. As the story unfolds we explore the early life of Frank Clevenger and what happened to him to make him the man he is today. But the character development doesn't stop with him, each and every character that has a role in the story is analysed and their mind is laid bare for us to see. The effects of child abuse on the adult, years later, is the harsh underlying theme and is brought to life in a starkly realistic way. Although some of the scenes may be distasteful to some, the scenario rings all too truly and is presented well, within the context of the story.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely impossible to put down
Review: What a blast! Just plucked this book from the shelf and couldn't have enjoyed it more. Lots of ideas presented that really make the reader think. Fans of Joe Lansdale would like this - it's not for everyone, but what a wild ride! If you like Jonathan Kellerman (and who couldn't), you'll have to try Denial. Can't wait for the next one!
Rating: 
Summary: WHEW! Is it over already?
Review: What a GREAT first novel. A definate page turner and a must read. This book grabs you from the very first chapter and keeps on going until the very end. If you want to know about psychiatry and police work all mixed up together without a whole lot of technical jargan, read this book and enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: Whoever says that psychiatrists cannot have screwed up lives cannot be living in reality. Psychiatrists sometimes have worse lives then their patients. I loved this book. I even re-read it to make sure I didn't miss anything important. Frank Clevenger, one of the most screwed up individuals to ever exist in fiction or non-fiction, was also one of the saddest individuals, as well. I couldn't help but feel sympathetic. And he still managed to be a good psychiatrist for others whether he meant to do it or not. The plot was entertaining (if you can call serial murder entertaining) and very hard edged and fast paced. I love psychological thrillers and I was very impressed with this author's debut. I hope to see more of his novels on the shelves soon.
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