Line of Fire

Clinical psychologist Alan Gregory faces a personal crisis when his wife files for divorce amid a brewing homicide investigation. The case involves a series of suspicious deaths and Gregory becomes entangled in both the criminal probe and his own domestic turmoil. The investigation leads Gregory through Boulder, Colorado's neighborhoods as he works to uncover connections between seemingly unrelated incidents. His role as both a mental health professional and an involved party creates complications as he navigates ethical boundaries and personal relationships. Time runs short as Gregory races to piece together clues while dealing with threats to his practice, his family, and his own safety. This nineteenth book in the Alan Gregory series draws on the protagonist's psychological expertise and ties together multiple storylines from previous novels. The novel explores themes of trust, professional ethics, and the intersection of personal and public responsibilities in the mental health field.

Readers found this psychological thriller engaging but less compelling than earlier books in the Alan Gregory series. Many noted it successfully builds tension as the plot unfolds through dual timelines. Likes: - Complex plot structure keeps readers guessing - Strong character development, particularly Sam Purdy - Satisfying connections to previous books in series - Fast-paced final chapters Dislikes: - Slow start frustrates some readers - Timeline jumps create confusion - Less psychological insight than previous books - Some found the ending rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (280+ ratings) "The parallel storytelling heightens suspense but requires concentration to follow," noted one Amazon reviewer. Multiple Goodreads reviews mentioned difficulty engaging with the first 100 pages but praised the "roller coaster ending." Several long-time readers called it a "solid but not standout" entry in the series.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides A psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind a woman's violent act against her husband, leading him through a maze of psychological manipulation and buried secrets.

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly A criminal defense attorney operates from his Lincoln Town Car while navigating a complex murder case that connects to his past cases and tests his legal ethics.

The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver A quadriplegic forensic criminalist uses his mind and a rookie cop's eyes and ears to track a serial killer who leaves cryptic clues at each crime scene.

When the Bough Breaks by Jonathan Kellerman A child psychologist partners with a homicide detective to investigate a patient's murder, drawing them into a web of Hollywood secrets and psychological trauma.

Defending Jacob by William Landay A district attorney's life unravels when his teenage son becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, forcing him to choose between his duty and his family.

🔍 Author Stephen White worked as a clinical psychologist for over 15 years before becoming a full-time writer, lending authenticity to his protagonist Dr. Alan Gregory's character. 📚 "Line of Fire" is the 19th book in the Alan Gregory series and the penultimate novel before White concluded the series with "Compound Fractures." 🏔️ The book is set in Boulder, Colorado, where White himself lived and practiced psychology, allowing him to create vivid, accurate depictions of the local landscape and community. 🎯 The novel tackles themes of police corruption and ethical dilemmas in both law enforcement and psychology, drawing from real-world cases and professional experiences. 💫 The book's title "Line of Fire" has multiple meanings within the story, referring not only to literal gunfire but also to characters being caught between conflicting loyalties and moral choices.