Hardcover, 384 pages

Expected publication: January 8th 2019 by St. Martin’s Press   Rating:  4*

The ad she discovered was too good to pass up.   Seeking women ages 18–32 to participate in a study on ethics and morality. Generous compensation. Anonymity guaranteed.  So good that Jessica Farris decided to apply knowing that the girl it was intended for wasn’t going to show up.   Jess would go and  take the chance of applying herself 

Thinking that the psychology study conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields, would just be answering a few questions for to her simply collect a windfall of money, Jess thought , “a piece of cake”!    Answer a few questions, collect her money, and leave.  But as the questions grow more and more intense and invasive she was offered more money and the sessions become outings where Jess is told what to wear and how to act, she begins to feel as though Dr. Shields may know what she’s thinking…and what she’s hiding.   After numerous scenario’s the doctor put her in Jess’s paranoia grows, it becomes clear that she can no longer trust what was real, and what was manipulative by the doctor. Caught in a web of deceit, jealousy, and betrayal Jess quickly learns that some obsessions can be deadly and betrayals could shred one’s heart!

*** This was an intense read – and for the longest while I wasn’t sure of what seemed to be going on as to who was the good or bad person of the piece.  Unfortunately, clarity can come too late before the lessons learned have already decimated what happiness you discovered before your life blows apart.   An intriguing read.  

Marilyn Rondeau