Jonathan Kellerman books are intriguing and gripping, charged with emotion and suspense. This story is no exception.

Five year-old Woody Swope was dying from an illness but his parents were reluctant to let him continue with the treatment at the hospital. They believed in holistic cures only. Psychologist Alex Delaware was called in to convince the Swopes about the treatment. Then Woody disappeared from the hospital and his parents were missing from their motel room. Alex‘s detective friend, Milo was involved in the investigation and they went to Woody’s hometown where they encountered a seemingly helpful sheriff and a strangely secluded cult. Alex discovered buried secrets involving drugs, sexual abuse and perversion.

Though it started off at a somewhat lethargic pace, it ended with a twist which explained the reason for the disappearance of the child and the reluctance to have him treated by the doctors. Kellerman had developed fascinating characters in Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis; I like the way they relate to each other. They enjoyed a comfortable relationship as good friends and showed genuine concern for each other.
Besides the main case of the Swopes, the author had included another case which involved a mentally disturbed man who was angry about losing custody of his children. This side story contributed to the suspense of the story – the book is really worth investing time and money!

Rating: 7