Heather’s Bookshelf: Closure
Author: Garrett Addison
Released: 08/29/23
Genre: Adult Crime Thriller
“‘The way I look at it, I’m going to get the same way I look at it. I’m going to get the same comfort when I watch him burn. On earth or in hell, I don’t care which. That will be the closure I need.”
“Closure” introduces James Malter, a clinical psychologist who finds himself called into the police station as two of his terminally ill patients are involved in crimes: one a suspect in a murder and the other a victim.
After an initial interview with Detective Kelshaw clears Malter, another of his patients apparently commits suicide… and then another… And they are not the only victims. In each case, a bystander is also killed, further worsening the tragedy.
Malter becomes a chief suspect as his previous patients not only have a link to his psychological treatments and group support, but also to a crime that happened years ago to a member of his own family. As the deaths continue to point in his direction and to him as the prime suspect, Malter sets out to find the truth behind what’s really going on. He’ll need the help of Detective Kelshaw if he’s going to figure it all out before someone else dies and if he’s every going to get closure.
Trigger Warning: violence, suicide, murder, adult language, discussion of rape, sexual situations, discussion of torture/imprisonment
Overall, I was intrigued by this tale. The story is told through multiple POVs and divided by chapters with a majority of the story being told through Dr. Malter and Detective Kelshaw’s POV. Dr. Malter as a main protagonist starts out a little dry and seemingly uncaring. But throughout the story his character’s background and emotions are revealed and he becomes much more complex- though not exactly likable. Kelshaw, on the other hand, has clear motivations and backstory from the beginning with an equal lack of likability. The author does a nice job in also developing a couple of the ancillary characters including Melanie and Nigel, who I felt more of an emotional connection to than with the two main characters. While there’s a little bit of a mystery initially and a bit of a twist at the end, it’s really the premise of what happens that makes the story and pushes the pacing. I was really hoping there would be an even bigger twist…perhaps something with the boxes in the shed…but the ending wrapped everything up nicely. There’s reference to some really terrible things and a lot of death in this book, but ultimately it’s more about living.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
An adult crime thriller built on relationships and past connections. The lead characters are missing a bit of an emotional connection, but the premise pushes the story along.
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