Book reviews by D.G. Kaye

Sunday Book Reviews – Escaping Psychiatry and Glimpses

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Book reviews by D.G. Kaye

Today’s book reviews offer a double-header. Since I happily got to catch up on some reading, I have a few book reviews I’d like to share before January ends and I take my blogging break. So this week and next week I’ll be reviewing 2 books on each of those posts.

 

First up:

I recently finished reading Olga Nunez Miret’s trilogy of stories in her book, Escaping Psychiatry. Knowing that Olga has her doctorate in psychiatry made this book an even more exciting read, offering believable analysis by the protagonist Mary.

Escaping Psychiatry book by Olga Nunez Miret

 

 

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Blurb:

 

Escaping Psychiatry’ is a collection of three stories in the psychological thriller genre with the same protagonist, Mary, a psychiatrist and writer. She is trying to develop her literary career but circumstances and friends conspire to keep dragging her back to psychiatry.
In ‘Cannon Fodder’ Mary has to assess Cain, an African-American man accused of inciting a religious riot when he claimed that he could hear God and God was black. He might not be mad, but Mary is sure he’s hiding something.
‘Teamwork’ sees Mary hoodwinked into offering therapy to Justin, a policeman feeling guilty after his partner and ersatz father was killed on-duty. Before Mary can extricate herself from the case, things get personal.
In ‘Memory’ Mary goes missing after an incident with Phil, who is manic as he hasn’t been taking his medication. When she is found, she has been the victim of a horrific crime, but they soon discover she was luckier than they had realised.
The epilogue revisits Mary at the point of the trial of her abductor and sees what changes have taken place in her life. Will she finally manage to Escape Psychiatry?

 

My 5 Star Review

When the protagonist, Mary, is asked by her lawyer friend Phil and another friend on the police force to use her skills as a psychiatrist to help solve 3 crimes, Mary takes us on a psychological journey of discovery while delving into the minds of killers. The book is comprised of 3 different stories, one of which, unfortunately has Mary the victim of. Using her psychological skills through interrogation, Mary is determined to discover what makes these criminal minds tick.
The author has a background in psychiatry, which makes these stories riveting, doubling the pleasure to read using her own skills, not only as an author, but as an expert in the stories she writes about. I look forward to reading her next book.

Next:

Hugh Roberts has been gaining a lot of fame to his name since he recently published his debut book, Glimpses. Many of you who know Hugh, know how he has an uncanny knack for writing suspenseful short stories, often with unexpected endings. I was thrilled when Hugh sent me my own paperback copy of his book in friendship and gratitude for being supportive on his publishing journey.

Glimpses by Hugh Roberts

Get This Book on Amazon!

 

Blurb:

After publishing some of his short stories on his blog, Hugh W. Roberts, who suffers from dyslexia, received numerous requests to publish his short stories in a book. Here, at last, are 28 short stories that will take your mind on a rollercoaster of a ride into worlds that conceal unexpected twists and turns.

‘Glimpses’ allows the reader a peek into the lives of everyday people who are about to have life lead them on an unpredicted path. From a mysterious deadly iPad app, to a hole in the fence that is not all it seems, to a strange lipstick that appears to have a life of its own, you will encounter terror, laughter, sadness, shock and many other emotions on journeys which promise a thrilling and gripping climax.If you are a lover of shows such as ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Tales Of The Unexpected’, then you’re in for a real treat with this first collection of short stories from Hugh.

Here’s what one reader has already said about the book. “If you’re looking for a thoroughly entertaining read, Glimpses is the book for you. Each story has been cleverly crafted; through Hugh’s wonderful imagination, he has the ability to whisk you away to many different worlds, past, present and future. Every story makes a compelling read and just when you think you know what’s going to happen next, Hugh masterfully reveals a brilliant twist. With bite-size and longer stories, Glimpses is a must-read. I loved it.” – Esther Newton, Writer, and Author. Dare you take a glimpse into the lives of these unsuspecting characters?

 

My 5 Star Review

A delightful selection of eerie tales from Hugh Roberts. Roberts has come to be known for his engrossing short stories in mixed genres from fantasy to frightening, and all of them keeping his audience gripped to the sometimes bitter end of each story as he has become known for, his twisted endings that will leave you in surprise from nothing you may have anticipated from the beginning of his stories.

Some of these stories are notable as Roberts had shared some of them on his blog, which initially captivated readers and had them wanting more. Some have become classics by Roberts, such as: The Truth App, about an Ipad of the future which has the power to kill off wrongdoers who dare to open the App, The Bridegroom murder mystery in 4 parts with its mind-boggling ending, The Rose Wish, which will have you thinking again to be careful what you wish for, and lessons in the tale of Father Christmas. Some character story favorites are also a delight, such as: Rusty and Richie, and the perils of Martha Dumplin. There are also some other fascinating stories to be read in this book. And no doubt with the imagination of this author, I’m sure we can be expecting more books to come.

58 thoughts on “Sunday Book Reviews – Escaping Psychiatry and Glimpses”

  2. You are reading a variety of books and that’s reason to smile 🙂 I know you had said before that you hadn’t time to read so it’s nice you are making time. HUGS

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    1. Thanks Christy. I seem to have been on a tear, lol. I’d been pre-scheduling my writing of posts and interviews throughout December til now to prepare for my blogging break in February and sticking in some more reading time. I’m hoping to do a lot more reading while on vacation before I come back and it’s down to the grindstone. Just think how many more reviews I’ll have to write when I return! 🙂 ❤

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  3. The psychology of criminals is fascinating. While Mary being directly a victim of a crime makes this a fascinating twist. Debby, you really have given us just enough to entice us. Ms. Miret will appreciate such a succinctly special review.

    Short stories are “just right” in my opinion. They give us enough plot to get me to pick up a book and finish in an all-inclusive single sitting. Hugh is lucky to have you tantalizing us and giving us trepidation, too. Dare we read this book?

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  4. Your review for the first book by Ms. Miret was enticing to read three cases solved by a psychologist. It must be challenging in the case where the victim IS the psychologist.
    In the second review, you captured my interest with the frightening elements, tantalizing me to read. . . if I dare! Hugh Roberts’ book sounds like my speed, Debby. As a blogger and someone with a busy work schedule, I am attracted to short story collections. Just enough plot to draw me in and keep me awake!
    Shoot! I am sure my first comments were sent off either into cyberspace or into an “awaiting approval” area of WordPress, Debby. If they don’t show up, I will attempt to duplicate them. I usually circle round in a day or two to see if they show up. Smiles, Robin

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    1. Hi Robin, thanks for visiting. Sorry you were having some comment troubles, I thought all that was behind me after spending hours the other day with tech support :(. So yes, there are two comments here, and I’m replying to this one.
      I also enjoy reading short stories, especially with a shortage of time to read books, a good plot, suspense and surprise ending in short pages is fun to read. Both these books are excellent reads, so keep them in mind for your short story reads and thanks so much for your perseverance on trying to comment. 🙂 ❤

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  5. I’ve read several reviews of Hugh’s book and already have it on my TBR, so it’s wonderful to read your 5-star review as well, Deb. And having worked in psychiatry as an RN, I’ve had Olga’s book on my TBR since I first read about it. I find Escaping Psychiatry very intriguing and really appreciate your rave review. Thanks so much for sharing, Deb ?

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  6. Thanks so much, Debby, and thanks very much to Robin, Christy and D Wallace. I’m humbled, not only by your wonderful review, but by being featured together with Hugh Roberts, whose short stories are a must read. You’re a star reviewer!

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  7. Pingback: Escaping Psychiatry by Olga Nunez Miret, Glimpses by Hugh Roberts, | Just Olga

  8. Great to read such a good review of Olga’s trilogy. She is indeed a good writer, a committed blogger, and a very interesting person too. I have all these on Kindle, but will also check out ‘Glimpses’.
    Best wishes, Pete.

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  10. Hi Debby, thanks so much for this glowing review for Glimpses. It’s lovely to be here with Olga and I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to read Glimpses and then write a review for it. Needless to say that I’m over the moon with what you had to say about my first book.
    Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
    xx

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  11. Psychiatry and psychology have always allured me and I have read some of the texts and psychological novels prescribed for the study of psychiatry as they were easily available…lying around me on the shelves. I am glad you have introduced me to Olga’s book, it goes straight on my list of reading this year. Your review is equally inspiring!

    Short stories make a quick reading and Glimpses seems to be quite captivating. I must check it out too. Thanks for sharing the reviews.

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  12. Two intriguing offering though they’re as different as night and day. Olga’s book has been on my TBR list a long time. Sigh. Sorry, Olga. Now Hugh’s book is as well. I always have my fingers crossed…

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      1. Ditto on all. If I EVER get to retire, it will be to a chaise with a stack of books to the ceiling. Woe to anyone who wants my attention until I have worked my way through at least SOME of them – like the two here, for sure!

        Enticing reviews. Thanks for sharing. I plan to investigate both of their blogs as well – but perhaps I’ll wait until you are on vacation ::grin::
        xx,
        mgh
        (Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMore dot com)
        – ADD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder –
        “It takes a village to educate a world!”

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      2. Lol, you’re so sweet Madelyn! It seems we all wish we get just have more reading time. I do look forward to my little break in a few weeks. I plan on resting my buns on a lounge chair in the hot sun and read! Just imagine how many reviews I’ll have to write when I return. Look out! 🙂 ❤

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      3. If I could only spare the time away, it would be a great idea for me to plan a vacation on your return – I am going to have a love/hate relationship to all those reviews since I can’t.

        As a melanoma survivor, I must leave you with two more words:
        HAT and SUNSCREEN.
        xx,
        mgh

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      4. Well that’s a no brainer, as a survivor of many things myself, and my hub’s near skin cancer. Plus, I wouldn’t want the sun to fade my red hair, lol. You’re so funny. 🙂 ❤

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  18. It is lovely to get chance to sit and read and absorb books.. January is a great month to snuggle down here to catch up on reading..
    Thank you for sharing these reviews its wonderful when you take time to share them..

    Love and Hugs xx Sue ❤ xx

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    1. Aw thanks so much Sue. It’s also wonderful when you take the time to visit here. I’m glad to offer some good reads here. Yes, January is a great time to hibernate and read! 🙂 ❤ xo

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  20. Two great reviews, Debby – both informative and entertaining and I always like the details you pick out from the books. Olga’s book is fascinating and I must take a look at that and it’s lovely to see Hugh’s book here.

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    1. Thank you Annika. I know every reader has their own view and take on a book that resonated with them, so I like to share my spin on what I’ve read. And I think by sharing reviews, the exposure to those books will definitely garner some new interested readers.

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