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Always Watching
She helps people put their demons to rest.
But she has a few of her own…
In the lockdown ward of a psychiatric hospital, Dr. Nadine Lavoie is in her element. She has the tools to help people, and she has the desire—healing broken families is what she lives for. But Nadine doesn’t want to look too closely at her own past because there are whole chunks of her life that are black holes. It takes all her willpower to tamp down her recurrent claustrophobia, and her daughter, Lisa, is a runaway who has been on the streets for seven years.
When a distraught woman, Heather Simeon, is brought into the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit after a suicide attempt, Nadine gently coaxes her story out of her—and learns of some troubling parallels with her own life. Digging deeper, Nadine is forced to confront her traumatic childhood, and the damage that began when she and her brother were brought by their mother to a remote commune on Vancouver Island. What happened to Nadine? Why was their family destroyed? And why does the name Aaron Quinn, the group’s leader, bring complex feelings of terror to Nadine even today?
And then, the unthinkable happens, and Nadine realizes that danger is closer to home than she ever imagined. She has no choice but to face what terrifies her the most…and fight back.
Sometimes you can leave the past, but you can never escape.
But she has a few of her own…
In the lockdown ward of a psychiatric hospital, Dr. Nadine Lavoie is in her element. She has the tools to help people, and she has the desire—healing broken families is what she lives for. But Nadine doesn’t want to look too closely at her own past because there are whole chunks of her life that are black holes. It takes all her willpower to tamp down her recurrent claustrophobia, and her daughter, Lisa, is a runaway who has been on the streets for seven years.
When a distraught woman, Heather Simeon, is brought into the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit after a suicide attempt, Nadine gently coaxes her story out of her—and learns of some troubling parallels with her own life. Digging deeper, Nadine is forced to confront her traumatic childhood, and the damage that began when she and her brother were brought by their mother to a remote commune on Vancouver Island. What happened to Nadine? Why was their family destroyed? And why does the name Aaron Quinn, the group’s leader, bring complex feelings of terror to Nadine even today?
And then, the unthinkable happens, and Nadine realizes that danger is closer to home than she ever imagined. She has no choice but to face what terrifies her the most…and fight back.
Sometimes you can leave the past, but you can never escape.
342 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Chevy Stevens
9 books9,783 followersCHEVY STEVENS lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and daughter. When she’s not working on her next book, she’s hiking with her two dogs on her favorite mountain trails and spending time with her family. Chevy's current obsessions are vintage airstreams, Hollywood memoirs, and all things mid-century modern.
Chevy's debut novel, STILL MISSING, was a New York Times bestseller and won the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel. Her books, including THOSE GIRLS which Stephen King called "incredibly scary" have been published in more than thirty countries. Her seventh novel, DARK ROADS, is now available. Please visit her at www.ChevyStevens.com.
REVIEW POLICY: I only rate books I really love. This is a way for me to share my favourites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,484 reviews
October 24, 2013
The story line was well-thought out and progressed at a nice pace. However, it did not suck me in. When I read a suspense book, I want to feel what the main character is feeling. I want to be on the edge of my seat. I could not relate as well to Nadine as I have to other characters. I think that the other reviews and the quotes written all over the book had me expecting something a little more suspenseful, and that is why I am let down a bit.
It was a good book, with a solid story line, but I was NOT blown away and do not plan on reading it again.
(I received a free copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway.)
It was a good book, with a solid story line, but I was NOT blown away and do not plan on reading it again.
(I received a free copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway.)
April 13, 2017
Chevy Chevy Chevy you have done it again Always watching was a compelling thrill, part psychological read that made me concentrate more than any other of her novels, it was well written very well researched & had a fabulous main character A psychiatrist Nadine Lavoie her presence throughout was strong, although a little flawed but I really felt the pain she was going through.
The story delves into a cult situation where Heather Simeon meets Nadine Devoice in hospital as heather tried to commit suicide as she had miscarried & with a past history of depression she just could not cope, Daniel her husband who loves her to the moon & back stands by her.
As Nadine herself is trying to cope with demons of her past she finds their lives parallel & both find they have similar events in their lives that may destroy their lives forever.
Aaron Quinn & his brother Joseph run the cult like an iron fist as Nadine looks further into the cult she finds herself relieving a childhood atrocity bestowed on her by someone at the cult.
DO NOT TRUST THE QUINN BROTHERS!!! they will always find you no matter where you are?
From here on in there is a major turning point that knocked me for 6 I just had to know who was doing this & why?
All I can say from here on in the ending was compelling didn't miss a beat am glad it turned out how I expected it to. 4.5 stars
The story delves into a cult situation where Heather Simeon meets Nadine Devoice in hospital as heather tried to commit suicide as she had miscarried & with a past history of depression she just could not cope, Daniel her husband who loves her to the moon & back stands by her.
As Nadine herself is trying to cope with demons of her past she finds their lives parallel & both find they have similar events in their lives that may destroy their lives forever.
Aaron Quinn & his brother Joseph run the cult like an iron fist as Nadine looks further into the cult she finds herself relieving a childhood atrocity bestowed on her by someone at the cult.
DO NOT TRUST THE QUINN BROTHERS!!! they will always find you no matter where you are?
From here on in there is a major turning point that knocked me for 6 I just had to know who was doing this & why?
All I can say from here on in the ending was compelling didn't miss a beat am glad it turned out how I expected it to. 4.5 stars
August 11, 2017
Η Ναντιν ειναι ψυχίατρος και μετα το θάνατο του συζυγου της και την εξαφάνιση της κόρης της (η οποία ειναι μπλεγμένη με τα ναρκωτικά), παλεύει με τους ��ροσωπικούς της δαίμονες. Στο νοσοκομείο που εργάζεται, αναλαμβάνει μια ασθενή με αυτοκτονικές τάσεις. Καθώς την κουράρει, ανακαλύπτει ότι κάποια στοιχεία της ζωής της ασθενούς, ταιριάζουν πολύ με μία περίοδο της δικής της παιδικής ηλικίας, την οποία είχε καταχωνιάσει στα βάθη του μυαλού της. Σιγά σιγά, αναμνήσεις ξεχασμένες αναδύονται και τις προκαλούν δυσάρεστα συναισθήματα. Σε μια βόλτα με το ποδήλατο, συναντά εντελώς τυχαία την κόρη της η οποία την αντιμετώπιζε σαν ξένη και της χρεώνει ότι ποτέ δεν την κατάλαβε και δεν τη βοήθησε. Αποφασίζει να σκαλίσει το παρελθόν και να συγκεντρώσει όσες περισσότερες πληροφορίες μπορεί. Στην πορεία, ανακαλύπτει πράγματα που δεν θα τα φανταζόταν ούτε κατα διάνοια.
Ένα ψυχολογικό θρίλερ, όπου η πρωταγωνίστρια, αν και ψυχίατρος η ίδια, δεν μπόρεσε να καταλάβει όχι μόνο την κόρη της, μα και τον ιδιο της τον εαυτό.
Ένα ψυχολογικό θρίλερ, όπου η πρωταγωνίστρια, αν και ψυχίατρος η ίδια, δεν μπόρεσε να καταλάβει όχι μόνο την κόρη της, μα και τον ιδιο της τον εαυτό.
January 10, 2019
3,5/5
Η δόκτορ Ναντίν Λαβουά είναι καταξιωμένη ψυχίατρος, αφοσιωμένη να κάνει το καλύτερο δυνατό για τους ασθενείς της. Δυσκολεύεται όμως να βρει την αιτία πίσω από τα δικά της προβλήματα: το μεγάλο κενό μνήμης που έχει για ένα κομμάτι του παρελθόντος της και την κλειστοφοβία της που υποτροπιάζει όταν μια νεαρή ασθενής της της εκμυστηρεύεται το λόγο που αποπειράθηκε να αυτοκτονήσει.
Όσο η δρ Λαβουά προσπαθεί να βοηθήσει την ασθενή της, έρχεται αντιμέτωπη με τις τραυματικές εμπειρίες της δικής της εφηβικής ηλικίας σε ένα κοινόβιο του Βανκούβερ, ενώ παράλληλα προσπαθεί να επιδιορθώσει τις σχέσεις της με την από χρόνια αποξενωμένη κόρη της.
Παρ' όλο που απ' τη στιγμή που αρχίζεις να μαθαίνεις τα βασικά για την ιστορία, καταλάβεις λίγο - πολύ που θα πάει η υπόθεση, η γρήγορη πλοκή και οι ενδιαφέρον χαρακτήρες κρατούν την προσοχή του αναγνώστη. Είναι σίγουρα ένα page - turner βιβλίο που κρατάει την αγωνία αμείωτη και η ώρα περνάει ευχάριστα διαβάζοντάς το. Επίσης αν και δυσκολεύομαι να πιστέψω ότι ένας άνθρωπος δε θα θυμόταν τόσα πολλά τραγικά γεγονότα της ζωής του, δεν ένιωσα ότι διάβαζα υπερβολές. Αν λοιπόν δεν ψάχνετε το μυθιστόρημα του αιώνα, αλλά απλά κάτι για να περάσετε την ώρα σας ευχάριστα, δώστε του μια ευκαιρία. Εγώ σίγουρα θα ξαναδιαβάσω βιβλίο της συγγραφέως κάποια στιγμή.
Η δόκτορ Ναντίν Λαβουά είναι καταξιωμένη ψυχίατρος, αφοσιωμένη να κάνει το καλύτερο δυνατό για τους ασθενείς της. Δυσκολεύεται όμως να βρει την αιτία πίσω από τα δικά της προβλήματα: το μεγάλο κενό μνήμης που έχει για ένα κομμάτι του παρελθόντος της και την κλειστοφοβία της που υποτροπιάζει όταν μια νεαρή ασθενής της της εκμυστηρεύεται το λόγο που αποπειράθηκε να αυτοκτονήσει.
Όσο η δρ Λαβουά προσπαθεί να βοηθήσει την ασθενή της, έρχεται αντιμέτωπη με τις τραυματικές εμπειρίες της δικής της εφηβικής ηλικίας σε ένα κοινόβιο του Βανκούβερ, ενώ παράλληλα προσπαθεί να επιδιορθώσει τις σχέσεις της με την από χρόνια αποξενωμένη κόρη της.
Παρ' όλο που απ' τη στιγμή που αρχίζεις να μαθαίνεις τα βασικά για την ιστορία, καταλάβεις λίγο - πολύ που θα πάει η υπόθεση, η γρήγορη πλοκή και οι ενδιαφέρον χαρακτήρες κρατούν την προσοχή του αναγνώστη. Είναι σίγουρα ένα page - turner βιβλίο που κρατάει την αγωνία αμείωτη και η ώρα περνάει ευχάριστα διαβάζοντάς το. Επίσης αν και δυσκολεύομαι να πιστέψω ότι ένας άνθρωπος δε θα θυμόταν τόσα πολλά τραγικά γεγονότα της ζωής του, δεν ένιωσα ότι διάβαζα υπερβολές. Αν λοιπόν δεν ψάχνετε το μυθιστόρημα του αιώνα, αλλά απλά κάτι για να περάσετε την ώρα σας ευχάριστα, δώστε του μια ευκαιρία. Εγώ σίγουρα θα ξαναδιαβάσω βιβλίο της συγγραφέως κάποια στιγμή.
July 3, 2013
I can't condone Stevens' books any longer. I gave her a pass on the other two (they're readable, so 3 stars, why not?), but this one, no, I'm putting my foot down.
In Always Watching, Stevens tackles the subject of cults. Her protagonist, Nadine, now a successful psychologist (fitting, no?) spent a few months in a commune (fancy name for "cult") in the 1960s as a 13-year-old with her mom and brother. Now in her 50s, Nadine has repressed some negative memories for a long time. A run in with a patient, a suicidal young woman who has a connection to this same commune, conveniently triggers her memory and makes her realize that....Cults. Are. Bad.
Cults are bad, people, ok?
You think they're all:
But really, they're all:
Why write dialogue when you can do what Stevens does and just summarize? A few handy phrases: She told him everything; she spilled it all; she filled him in on what's happened.
Also, why have a plot that makes sense? Or characters whose actions stem from believable, real-life motivations? No need! Because if you write about how cults ruin people's lives, well, apparently anything goes!
This book was just a pile of ridiculousness. We have the one-woman-pseudo-cop-show taking matters into her own hands, the twists and turns that go nowhere, the estranged drug-addled daughter, sexual abuse, murders (that's plural for your enjoyment!), suicide, a shizophrenic maniac, a maniac with delusions of grandeur (why have one maniac, when you can have two?!), a budding romance, claustrophobia, death by cancer, anorexic patients, and much, much more!
June 24, 2013
Still Missing was my first Chevy Stevens novel, and it blew me away. It quickly launched her onto that list of authors I fiendishly keep watch of for their new books. I found Always Watching on Netgalley while browsing for even MORE ARCs that I don't need.
Seriously, it's become a sickness. I need a support group or something. My addiction to requesting advanced readers copies is only second to my addiction to Tom Hardy and chocolate. Those two are not necessarily exclusive, either.
But I severely digress.
Always Watching is Dr. Nadine Lavoie's story, and that's exactly how I felt while reading it; that I was being told a story instead of feeling like I'm embodying the character. Throughout the book, I felt detached from Nadine to almost a clinical degree. I'm not sure if that was the intent, given that Nadine is a psychologist, but the detachment I felt made it difficult to really care about Nadine as a character. In fact, I had a difficult time having any real sympathy for any of the characters that Chevy Stevens created.
The story was interesting, the plot was well paced, the mysteries unraveled in a timely fashion; yet I felt like I was slogging through the majority of the book. It was as though there was a lot of extraneous given to the reader by Nadine, going back to the distanced feeling she invoked, as though she was trying herself to stay detached from her situation and hide behind her clinical training.
I've probably disappointed myself on this one, because there isn't anything technically wrong with Always Watching, but I sadly just didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped.
Seriously, it's become a sickness. I need a support group or something. My addiction to requesting advanced readers copies is only second to my addiction to Tom Hardy and chocolate. Those two are not necessarily exclusive, either.
But I severely digress.
Always Watching is Dr. Nadine Lavoie's story, and that's exactly how I felt while reading it; that I was being told a story instead of feeling like I'm embodying the character. Throughout the book, I felt detached from Nadine to almost a clinical degree. I'm not sure if that was the intent, given that Nadine is a psychologist, but the detachment I felt made it difficult to really care about Nadine as a character. In fact, I had a difficult time having any real sympathy for any of the characters that Chevy Stevens created.
The story was interesting, the plot was well paced, the mysteries unraveled in a timely fashion; yet I felt like I was slogging through the majority of the book. It was as though there was a lot of extraneous given to the reader by Nadine, going back to the distanced feeling she invoked, as though she was trying herself to stay detached from her situation and hide behind her clinical training.
I've probably disappointed myself on this one, because there isn't anything technically wrong with Always Watching, but I sadly just didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped.
November 4, 2014
I find it very hard to believe that Chevy Stevens wrote this book. Still Missing and Never Knowing were both such fantastic books, this one, however was a miss. Another reviewer said it read more like a report than a novel and I completely agree. Plus the characters I hated, I wasn't rooting for anyone, and I was completely unsympathetic to everyone. The character of the daughter, Lisa, was hateful and I didn't feel the least bit bad for her. Also a lot of the situations and dialog didn't ring true at all. It was a long, slow, painfully dull read.
July 7, 2013
A haunting, terrifying read, but oh so good.
You will be on the edge of your seat as the fear and tension oozes from the pages of ALWAYS WATCHING. Don't read this book when you are alone or in a room without curtains. Someone may be watching.
What started out to be a patient/doctor relationship moved to more sinister waters as Nadine's treatment of Heather brought back repressed horrors from her own childhood. Could Nadine’s treating a patient really bring back memories of her own? Nadine was beginning to have flashbacks about things that took place at the same commune her patient had been in. The same commune that may have caused her claustrophobia and her fear of water.
The basis of ALWAYS WATCHING was the flashbacks. The flashbacks will keep you wondering what Nadine was going to find or who she was going to run into from her past as she investigated the commune that her mother and her brother were a part of when she was thirteen.
What she began to find out and remember was not pleasant. Was this investigation a wise decision or one that would make her childhood fears surface more and cause more trouble for her especially since she was doing all of this on her own?
ALWAYS WATCHING was tense and gripping. It dealt with mental issues, mind games, and brainwashing. Quite frightening and disturbing.
I had a difficult time putting the book down. I haven't read a thriller for a while nor have I ever read a book by Chevy Stevens.
If you enjoy edge-of-your seat plots, you won't be disappointed in ALWAYS WATCHING. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
You will be on the edge of your seat as the fear and tension oozes from the pages of ALWAYS WATCHING. Don't read this book when you are alone or in a room without curtains. Someone may be watching.
What started out to be a patient/doctor relationship moved to more sinister waters as Nadine's treatment of Heather brought back repressed horrors from her own childhood. Could Nadine’s treating a patient really bring back memories of her own? Nadine was beginning to have flashbacks about things that took place at the same commune her patient had been in. The same commune that may have caused her claustrophobia and her fear of water.
The basis of ALWAYS WATCHING was the flashbacks. The flashbacks will keep you wondering what Nadine was going to find or who she was going to run into from her past as she investigated the commune that her mother and her brother were a part of when she was thirteen.
What she began to find out and remember was not pleasant. Was this investigation a wise decision or one that would make her childhood fears surface more and cause more trouble for her especially since she was doing all of this on her own?
ALWAYS WATCHING was tense and gripping. It dealt with mental issues, mind games, and brainwashing. Quite frightening and disturbing.
I had a difficult time putting the book down. I haven't read a thriller for a while nor have I ever read a book by Chevy Stevens.
If you enjoy edge-of-your seat plots, you won't be disappointed in ALWAYS WATCHING. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
June 2, 2024
There were so many things happening in this book that I did not care for:
- Random civilian person investigating a crime (so unrealistic)
- Every person she interviews talks to her and gives her information
- Plot was so unbelievable, events kept happening that moved the book along
- MC survives an incredible amount of trauma and just sloughs it off
- MC literally survives a murder attempt and "is fine"
- A new relationship begins and is completely un-necessary
I wonder if I read this the year it was published (2013) I would've enjoyed this more, but now between the plot and the MC I just couldn't connect to this one at all. Dr Lavoie works at a psychiatric hospital when a women comes in and brings back the memories from her childhood - where she and her mom (& brother) spent 8 months living in a commune.
- Random civilian person investigating a crime (so unrealistic)
- Every person she interviews talks to her and gives her information
- Plot was so unbelievable, events kept happening that moved the book along
- MC survives an incredible amount of trauma and just sloughs it off
- MC literally survives a murder attempt and "is fine"
- A new relationship begins and is completely un-necessary
I wonder if I read this the year it was published (2013) I would've enjoyed this more, but now between the plot and the MC I just couldn't connect to this one at all. Dr Lavoie works at a psychiatric hospital when a women comes in and brings back the memories from her childhood - where she and her mom (& brother) spent 8 months living in a commune.
August 10, 2017
I read my first Chevy Stevens novel earlier this year and was instantly obsessed with her writing style and addictive storylines. I binge purchased every single one of her books....and then I got distracted. Now that I read Always Watching, I am kicking myself for not getting to this book sooner. I loved it.
The novel opens in the lockdown ward of a psychiatric hospital where Dr. Nadine Lavoie is one of the head clinicians. After a woman is brought in after a suicide attempt, Nadine's world is rocked as this woman discusses her involvement with a religious cult like group run by the dynamic Aaron Quinn; something stirs inside Nadine. Dealing with claustrophobia and huge blank spaces in her memory, Nadine has worked hard to forget parts of her childhood and her time spent with Aaron's group but as the parallels between the women's lives deepen and escalates, Nadine is forced to confront her traumatic past in order to save others, including her own daughter.
Let's start off my saying that I am a complete sucker with any plot that has a cult like reference or vibe; cults are pretty much on my list of the top five things that creep me out (other things on this list include: ketchup, centipedes, children singing happy songs in scary situations etc..) so when I read that this one would explore a cult, I was all about it.
Nadine is a completely dynamic character and told completely through her perspective, I was thrilled that Stevens took the time to fully develop her and her backstory. The plot unfolds through the present and then in flashbacks to the past as Nadine remembers. I felt like this was a great way to build tension and suspense throughout.
What sticks out the most for me about the way Stevens writes her prose is just how READABLE it is. There is no way not to enjoy her narrative style or to become completely captivated by it. Gripping, fast paced and entertaining, I was hooked.
Overall, an excellent read that combines thriller elements with suspense. I would absolutely give this one a read!!
The novel opens in the lockdown ward of a psychiatric hospital where Dr. Nadine Lavoie is one of the head clinicians. After a woman is brought in after a suicide attempt, Nadine's world is rocked as this woman discusses her involvement with a religious cult like group run by the dynamic Aaron Quinn; something stirs inside Nadine. Dealing with claustrophobia and huge blank spaces in her memory, Nadine has worked hard to forget parts of her childhood and her time spent with Aaron's group but as the parallels between the women's lives deepen and escalates, Nadine is forced to confront her traumatic past in order to save others, including her own daughter.
Let's start off my saying that I am a complete sucker with any plot that has a cult like reference or vibe; cults are pretty much on my list of the top five things that creep me out (other things on this list include: ketchup, centipedes, children singing happy songs in scary situations etc..) so when I read that this one would explore a cult, I was all about it.
Nadine is a completely dynamic character and told completely through her perspective, I was thrilled that Stevens took the time to fully develop her and her backstory. The plot unfolds through the present and then in flashbacks to the past as Nadine remembers. I felt like this was a great way to build tension and suspense throughout.
What sticks out the most for me about the way Stevens writes her prose is just how READABLE it is. There is no way not to enjoy her narrative style or to become completely captivated by it. Gripping, fast paced and entertaining, I was hooked.
Overall, an excellent read that combines thriller elements with suspense. I would absolutely give this one a read!!
January 2, 2014
Heather Simeon came into the hospital where psychiatrist Dr Nadine Lavoie worked after a suicide attempt – Heather had miscarried and with a past history of depression, found she couldn’t cope. Her husband Daniel was distraught as Heather had waited until he had gone to work to make her attempt. As Nadine got to know her patient, she was horrified to discover that her own long ago past was suddenly coming back to her – the parallels between herself and Heather were chilling.
Nadine suffered from severe claustrophobia but had no idea why – she also had chronic memory loss about certain periods of her childhood. Her past was something she had no desire to think about, and certainly she didn’t want to try to regain her memories. She was also suffering silently about her daughter Lisa – they were estranged and had been so since Nadine’s husband Paul, Lisa’s dad, had passed away from cancer six years previously.
But Nadine knew she needed to do some investigating, and if the past came back to haunt her, so be it. She needed to help – but suddenly the danger was right there. True colours were being brought to the surface; the terrifying past was inescapable. What could she do? Would she escape – would her memories return?
I enjoyed this book, the psychological aspect of it was great. The plot was intriguing and the fast pace in the latter part of the book was gripping. It seemed to have slow sections through the earlier part of the story, and it didn’t keep me as involved as the last two by this author. I do feel though that others who enjoy a psychological thriller may enjoy this one, and I’ll definitely read more by Chevy Stevens, as I devoured her first two.
Nadine suffered from severe claustrophobia but had no idea why – she also had chronic memory loss about certain periods of her childhood. Her past was something she had no desire to think about, and certainly she didn’t want to try to regain her memories. She was also suffering silently about her daughter Lisa – they were estranged and had been so since Nadine’s husband Paul, Lisa’s dad, had passed away from cancer six years previously.
But Nadine knew she needed to do some investigating, and if the past came back to haunt her, so be it. She needed to help – but suddenly the danger was right there. True colours were being brought to the surface; the terrifying past was inescapable. What could she do? Would she escape – would her memories return?
I enjoyed this book, the psychological aspect of it was great. The plot was intriguing and the fast pace in the latter part of the book was gripping. It seemed to have slow sections through the earlier part of the story, and it didn’t keep me as involved as the last two by this author. I do feel though that others who enjoy a psychological thriller may enjoy this one, and I’ll definitely read more by Chevy Stevens, as I devoured her first two.
July 7, 2024
“It's impossible, I think, to save everyone, but if we help even one person in our lifetime, then we succeeded.”
― Chevy Stevens, Always Watching
I just could not get into it. Of all Chevy Stevens books that I have read so far, this is my least favorite.
SPOILERS:
Cults make for a very interesting subject but this story I could not get into. I thought parts of it were predictable and also the main character..Nadine..spoke very clinically and I could not immerse myself although I sure tried.
Then it became very predictable and a little to out there for me. Or maybe I have just seen to many movies and read to many books about cults. For whatever reason this is the one book so far by Stevens that I have given less then a 3 to. I just could not become involved.
― Chevy Stevens, Always Watching
I just could not get into it. Of all Chevy Stevens books that I have read so far, this is my least favorite.
SPOILERS:
Cults make for a very interesting subject but this story I could not get into. I thought parts of it were predictable and also the main character..Nadine..spoke very clinically and I could not immerse myself although I sure tried.
Then it became very predictable and a little to out there for me. Or maybe I have just seen to many movies and read to many books about cults. For whatever reason this is the one book so far by Stevens that I have given less then a 3 to. I just could not become involved.
December 14, 2013
4 1/2 Stars for this reader.
Nadine was raised in a tumultuous household with an alcoholic father and an unstable mother who decided one day to join a commune. Nadine now a therapist, must confront her own secrets when a patient is brought in with a very similar past. She knows she must look at her past in the commune to understand why many of her memories of that time are blocked. Soon she uncovers secrets that many people would do anything to keep hidden. This is the authors third book in the series,and I have to say this one was my favourite, finding out more about Nadine who in the previous books was the main characters therapist and very elusive. But in "Always Watching" Nadine Lavoie takes center stage. Her struggles are relatable and the cult is so fully flushed out and detailed it felt like another character itself. This story told here was intelligent,suspenseful and shocking and the world the author created was truly engrossing and I found the book hard to put down. There are some reviewers who don't care for this authors style of writing, but I feel with each book she writes they get better and better, and I have been a fan since her first one. I wonder where the author will take us now after Nadine's story has been told? No matter...I look forward to more from this fellow Canadian author.
Nadine was raised in a tumultuous household with an alcoholic father and an unstable mother who decided one day to join a commune. Nadine now a therapist, must confront her own secrets when a patient is brought in with a very similar past. She knows she must look at her past in the commune to understand why many of her memories of that time are blocked. Soon she uncovers secrets that many people would do anything to keep hidden. This is the authors third book in the series,and I have to say this one was my favourite, finding out more about Nadine who in the previous books was the main characters therapist and very elusive. But in "Always Watching" Nadine Lavoie takes center stage. Her struggles are relatable and the cult is so fully flushed out and detailed it felt like another character itself. This story told here was intelligent,suspenseful and shocking and the world the author created was truly engrossing and I found the book hard to put down. There are some reviewers who don't care for this authors style of writing, but I feel with each book she writes they get better and better, and I have been a fan since her first one. I wonder where the author will take us now after Nadine's story has been told? No matter...I look forward to more from this fellow Canadian author.
October 23, 2013
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Dr. Nadine Lavoie is a doctor in a psychiatric unit. She has always found comfort in her work – being able to help those who have run astray. Especially since she was not able to help her own daughter, whose drug addiction led her to a life on the streets. When Heather, a suicidal patient is admitted to the hospital, Nadine realizes they share a similar story. Now, raather than healing others, Nadine has to look into her own past to uncover an awful truth she has repressed for decades.
Before I even really begin, let me offer a piece of advice. Read EVERYTHING by Chevy Stevens before you read her novel, “Still Missing”. There is just no comparison to the sheer terror Stevens is able to provoke in that book. I can’t help but judge an author’s works against each other (especially when said author does not deviate from the psych-thriller genre) and fear Stevens might have hit her high note with “Still Missing”. Now THAT is a book that continues to give me the heebie-jeebies whenever I think about it. Sadly, “Always Watching” was not able to do the same.
This book has some problems. My main issue was my dislike for the heroine. It thought she was kind of an idiot. Her approach to solving the mystery of her past is to tell EVERYTHING about EVERYONE she’s ever interacted with (excluding her own personal history, of course). Obviously the bad guy is going to figure out what a moronic blabbermouth she is. It also didn’t help that the police tell her to go ahead and investigate the case herself since they don’t have enough evidence to do anything. Really? Then we have the fact that she underwent hypnosis therapy YEARS ago with no results, but all of a sudden she starts remembering horrible things from her past and WHOOOOSH the memories just start flooding in.
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Now that I’ve just lambasted this poor novel, let me backtrack a bit and say it was not nearly as horrible as the last paragraph makes it sound. There’s a pretty good chance that I’m the asshole in this scenario and everyone else will find Nadine to be a perfectly suitable lead. One thing I know for certain - Chevy Stevens knows how to write a readable book. I saw a couple of the twists and turns coming (note: I’m not allowed to watch any type of “CSI” program with my family because I always know who is the bad guy), but was also surprised by some. The plotline flowed and the action at the end got my ticker pumping a little faster.
My final two cents: With another book already scheduled to be published (making the total 5 books in 4 years by a pretty much unheard of author), it’s time for a break. Slow down, Chevy. We are faithful readers. We will be here (im)patiently waiting for your next book, crossing our fingers that you take us back to those dark corners of your mind again.
Dr. Nadine Lavoie is a doctor in a psychiatric unit. She has always found comfort in her work – being able to help those who have run astray. Especially since she was not able to help her own daughter, whose drug addiction led her to a life on the streets. When Heather, a suicidal patient is admitted to the hospital, Nadine realizes they share a similar story. Now, raather than healing others, Nadine has to look into her own past to uncover an awful truth she has repressed for decades.
Before I even really begin, let me offer a piece of advice. Read EVERYTHING by Chevy Stevens before you read her novel, “Still Missing”. There is just no comparison to the sheer terror Stevens is able to provoke in that book. I can’t help but judge an author’s works against each other (especially when said author does not deviate from the psych-thriller genre) and fear Stevens might have hit her high note with “Still Missing”. Now THAT is a book that continues to give me the heebie-jeebies whenever I think about it. Sadly, “Always Watching” was not able to do the same.
This book has some problems. My main issue was my dislike for the heroine. It thought she was kind of an idiot. Her approach to solving the mystery of her past is to tell EVERYTHING about EVERYONE she’s ever interacted with (excluding her own personal history, of course). Obviously the bad guy is going to figure out what a moronic blabbermouth she is. It also didn’t help that the police tell her to go ahead and investigate the case herself since they don’t have enough evidence to do anything. Really? Then we have the fact that she underwent hypnosis therapy YEARS ago with no results, but all of a sudden she starts remembering horrible things from her past and WHOOOOSH the memories just start flooding in.
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Now that I’ve just lambasted this poor novel, let me backtrack a bit and say it was not nearly as horrible as the last paragraph makes it sound. There’s a pretty good chance that I’m the asshole in this scenario and everyone else will find Nadine to be a perfectly suitable lead. One thing I know for certain - Chevy Stevens knows how to write a readable book. I saw a couple of the twists and turns coming (note: I’m not allowed to watch any type of “CSI” program with my family because I always know who is the bad guy), but was also surprised by some. The plotline flowed and the action at the end got my ticker pumping a little faster.
My final two cents: With another book already scheduled to be published (making the total 5 books in 4 years by a pretty much unheard of author), it’s time for a break. Slow down, Chevy. We are faithful readers. We will be here (im)patiently waiting for your next book, crossing our fingers that you take us back to those dark corners of your mind again.
September 5, 2017
Chevy Stevens is fast becoming one of my favorite authors....
This is the third book I have read from this author, and although it was not my favorite it was really good..... Chevy Stevens does a marvelous job of weaving the present and the past, and never leaving you confused.... there also is just the perfect amount of twists and turns, and yet it is still completely realistic and believable... The ending to this book was definitely the best part, although I enjoyed the entire journey, the peeling off of the layers to find out what was really going on....
This is the third book I have read from this author, and although it was not my favorite it was really good..... Chevy Stevens does a marvelous job of weaving the present and the past, and never leaving you confused.... there also is just the perfect amount of twists and turns, and yet it is still completely realistic and believable... The ending to this book was definitely the best part, although I enjoyed the entire journey, the peeling off of the layers to find out what was really going on....
August 7, 2013
Originally posted on my blog, Stuck in a Story.
(This book was sent to me by the author and does not bias my review in any way)
I was expecting to like this book a lot, considering how much I loved Still Missing. Even the synopsis of Always Watching made it sound like a better book. A psychiatrist with suppressed memories suddenly revealing themselves, a patient connected to our psychiatrist protagonist, a runaway daughter, the idea urges reader’s on to discover how all these things are connected and who is it that is always watching?
Unfortunately Always Watching was a disappointment. The cover is gorgeous, promising a suspenseful mystery and a travel back into our protagonists past, the book lacks what Still Missing possessed. It lacks mystery, suspense, thrills.
While I that Stevens gave Dr. Nadine Lavoie, last seen as Annie O’Sullivan’s psychiatrist (as well as the psychiatrist of other patients in Stevens other works) her own story it just didn’t work. What could have been a suspenseful story was predictable. The story was so easy to put together it’s a wonder the protagonist herself couldn’t see the trap she was making for herself.
I feel the idea of a religious commune, while interesting, in overused. While I understand it makes for an interesting story it just didn’t quite fit in with the story. I can’t exactly describe how but I feel if their were another element used that was not a religious commune the story could have been a lot more interesting.
I was also surprised that Stevens didn’t mention her other characters in Always Watching. Since Dr. Lavoie is present in her other works (though she doesn’t say anything) I expected her to allude to them at some point, or at least relate her case or exercises with her own demons.
Stevens is a fantastic writer and remarkable at suspense, but Always Watching is a flop. A what could have been fantastic thriller was turned into a predictable story with uninteresting characters. I have more hope for her next book though, whatever that book may be about.
(This book was sent to me by the author and does not bias my review in any way)
I was expecting to like this book a lot, considering how much I loved Still Missing. Even the synopsis of Always Watching made it sound like a better book. A psychiatrist with suppressed memories suddenly revealing themselves, a patient connected to our psychiatrist protagonist, a runaway daughter, the idea urges reader’s on to discover how all these things are connected and who is it that is always watching?
Unfortunately Always Watching was a disappointment. The cover is gorgeous, promising a suspenseful mystery and a travel back into our protagonists past, the book lacks what Still Missing possessed. It lacks mystery, suspense, thrills.
While I that Stevens gave Dr. Nadine Lavoie, last seen as Annie O’Sullivan’s psychiatrist (as well as the psychiatrist of other patients in Stevens other works) her own story it just didn’t work. What could have been a suspenseful story was predictable. The story was so easy to put together it’s a wonder the protagonist herself couldn’t see the trap she was making for herself.
I feel the idea of a religious commune, while interesting, in overused. While I understand it makes for an interesting story it just didn’t quite fit in with the story. I can’t exactly describe how but I feel if their were another element used that was not a religious commune the story could have been a lot more interesting.
I was also surprised that Stevens didn’t mention her other characters in Always Watching. Since Dr. Lavoie is present in her other works (though she doesn’t say anything) I expected her to allude to them at some point, or at least relate her case or exercises with her own demons.
Stevens is a fantastic writer and remarkable at suspense, but Always Watching is a flop. A what could have been fantastic thriller was turned into a predictable story with uninteresting characters. I have more hope for her next book though, whatever that book may be about.
September 4, 2013
When I read Chevy Steven's first book Still Missing I was instantly a fan. That book would ensure that I would be on the look out for any book Chevy wrote in the future. I have read her two other books Never Knowing and the most recent one Always Watching.
Still Missing and Never Knowing are book that revolve around the protagonist relaying her story to her psychiatrist. The shrink is never named but is clearly an important part of the story. In Always Watching things change, the psychiatrist is the central character the one who's story we get to enjoy.
Nadine is a complex character with her own difficulties in life. She now works at a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit instead of her own private practice, here she meets a young woman who has attempted suicide where the woman has recently been opens up memories of the past for Nadine.
The first book by Chevy I loved. It was easy to read and I know I use that a lot but what I mean is you start reading and next thing you know 50 pages have flown by. Some books you just read and reread a page or passage to get it to register not Still Missing I devoured it. I loved the protagonist, the story I just loved that book period.
I liked Never Knowing and Always Watching, I didn't love them though. Maybe its that magic is hard to replicate but they didn't feel the same. Good yes but not great. The protagonists were much harder to like. I thought they were okay, in Always Watching Nadine a shrink sure said the wrong thing a lot of the time when it came to her daughter. This made it frustrating at times however mothers tend to try too hard and push too much with their children its the nature of things but it and other moment those were not the only ones would make me put the book down often.
I didn't sit there wanting to turn the page and turn the page. I did pick it up and continue on but stopped and putting it off often. I highly recommend Still Missing it is a great book and if you read it then you'll want to check out the second and third book by Chevy, if you'll like them as much is the question.
Still Missing and Never Knowing are book that revolve around the protagonist relaying her story to her psychiatrist. The shrink is never named but is clearly an important part of the story. In Always Watching things change, the psychiatrist is the central character the one who's story we get to enjoy.
Nadine is a complex character with her own difficulties in life. She now works at a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit instead of her own private practice, here she meets a young woman who has attempted suicide where the woman has recently been opens up memories of the past for Nadine.
The first book by Chevy I loved. It was easy to read and I know I use that a lot but what I mean is you start reading and next thing you know 50 pages have flown by. Some books you just read and reread a page or passage to get it to register not Still Missing I devoured it. I loved the protagonist, the story I just loved that book period.
I liked Never Knowing and Always Watching, I didn't love them though. Maybe its that magic is hard to replicate but they didn't feel the same. Good yes but not great. The protagonists were much harder to like. I thought they were okay, in Always Watching Nadine a shrink sure said the wrong thing a lot of the time when it came to her daughter. This made it frustrating at times however mothers tend to try too hard and push too much with their children its the nature of things but it and other moment those were not the only ones would make me put the book down often.
I didn't sit there wanting to turn the page and turn the page. I did pick it up and continue on but stopped and putting it off often. I highly recommend Still Missing it is a great book and if you read it then you'll want to check out the second and third book by Chevy, if you'll like them as much is the question.
September 27, 2014
I'm HORRIBLE at reading suspense! I'm far too impatient to wait through 300-something pages to see what happens. I made it through half this book and then got too impatient with the slow pace and skimmed the second half to see what happens.
Overall, the story is interesting-ish, but the pace of the narration was painfully slow. I guess this might be the nature of the genre, but the author spent paragraphs upon paragraphs on, "...then I had breakfast, then I went in my shed, then I looked at a cat, then I fed the cat, then I went on a bike ride, then I thought I heard something and was nervous, then I went back in my house, then the phone rang at the exact moment of a car backfiring and I pooped my pants in terror, then I fell asleep, then I had a bad dream, then I woke up and wondered about the plot of this novel..." I think she was trying to build tension --- for the reader to be waiting through these mundane events until, BAM, something actually happened. But I didn't feel like I was on the edge of my seat, I felt like I needed to skip pages and pages and look for the actual plot to progress.
Speaking of plot, was it just me or was this really predictable? The foreshadowing was really heavy-handed and gave away too much too early on. Many scenes read as: See this part right here? Pay attention because this is part of "plot" and you need to remember it because later on you'll be like, "Ohhh, THAT'S what that meant." Except that these over-exaggerated moments were in part what led me to not finish the book because too much was obvious.
I don't think I'd recommend this book. It's an easy read for when you don't have much brainpower, but it's so boring that it may put you to sleep. The characters are underdeveloped, the big revelations are just meh and the resolution is predictable. I might try another book by this author before I judge her unreadable.
Overall, the story is interesting-ish, but the pace of the narration was painfully slow. I guess this might be the nature of the genre, but the author spent paragraphs upon paragraphs on, "...then I had breakfast, then I went in my shed, then I looked at a cat, then I fed the cat, then I went on a bike ride, then I thought I heard something and was nervous, then I went back in my house, then the phone rang at the exact moment of a car backfiring and I pooped my pants in terror, then I fell asleep, then I had a bad dream, then I woke up and wondered about the plot of this novel..." I think she was trying to build tension --- for the reader to be waiting through these mundane events until, BAM, something actually happened. But I didn't feel like I was on the edge of my seat, I felt like I needed to skip pages and pages and look for the actual plot to progress.
Speaking of plot, was it just me or was this really predictable? The foreshadowing was really heavy-handed and gave away too much too early on. Many scenes read as: See this part right here? Pay attention because this is part of "plot" and you need to remember it because later on you'll be like, "Ohhh, THAT'S what that meant." Except that these over-exaggerated moments were in part what led me to not finish the book because too much was obvious.
I don't think I'd recommend this book. It's an easy read for when you don't have much brainpower, but it's so boring that it may put you to sleep. The characters are underdeveloped, the big revelations are just meh and the resolution is predictable. I might try another book by this author before I judge her unreadable.
April 9, 2013
I really hate to say it, but I found Chevy's latest disappointing.
Now, I love me some Chevy Stevens. I love the way she engages with her readers through Facebook.... photos of Piper and Oona are a bright spot in any work day, and reading about Chevy's latest snack attack is usually very entertaining. I really, really loved her first book, and thoroughly enjoyed her second, but this last one felt a bit lazy.
The main character did not come across as a strong, insightful therapist, especially when it came to her own life. She is a woman that can't shut up, or keep anything to herself, and this creates a lot of problems for her and the people around her. She even says a couple times that maybe she shouldn't tell people so much, then runs off to tell someone else everything she knows. It's frustrating, and it made me dislike her immensely. Maybe I'm too used to Chevy's characters being kick ass women. The doctor is definitely not in.
Then there is the long, drawn out lead up to the climax, which was tense and enjoyable even if I wasn't invested in the main character, but the climax was a major let down. And then, after the soggy reveal, numerous plot points were tied up in a few short sentences that in no way did justice to the build up. I felt like important details were rushed, and everything got tied up neatly in the last chapter minus any pay off.
I had high hopes for this book, especially based on Chevy's previous efforts, but unfortunately it fell short. Sorry Chevy, this one wasn't for me, but I will still eagerly await your next book :)
Now, I love me some Chevy Stevens. I love the way she engages with her readers through Facebook.... photos of Piper and Oona are a bright spot in any work day, and reading about Chevy's latest snack attack is usually very entertaining. I really, really loved her first book, and thoroughly enjoyed her second, but this last one felt a bit lazy.
The main character did not come across as a strong, insightful therapist, especially when it came to her own life. She is a woman that can't shut up, or keep anything to herself, and this creates a lot of problems for her and the people around her. She even says a couple times that maybe she shouldn't tell people so much, then runs off to tell someone else everything she knows. It's frustrating, and it made me dislike her immensely. Maybe I'm too used to Chevy's characters being kick ass women. The doctor is definitely not in.
Then there is the long, drawn out lead up to the climax, which was tense and enjoyable even if I wasn't invested in the main character, but the climax was a major let down. And then, after the soggy reveal, numerous plot points were tied up in a few short sentences that in no way did justice to the build up. I felt like important details were rushed, and everything got tied up neatly in the last chapter minus any pay off.
I had high hopes for this book, especially based on Chevy's previous efforts, but unfortunately it fell short. Sorry Chevy, this one wasn't for me, but I will still eagerly await your next book :)
August 29, 2017
*3.5 stars
This was my first book by Chevy Stephens, and while I didn't totally love it, I would be interesting in looking up some of her work. Her style is very readable and the plot held my attention. Some aspects of the story felt a bit predictable (but maybe I have been reading too much crime fiction...). I did like Nadine, the main character, a therapist in a hospital, who meets a patient whose disturbed story eerily parallels Nadine's own. As the story unfolds, you learn more about her past through chapters told in flashbacks, which I found more intriguing more than the present story. All in all, an engaging read by an author I had heard a lot about and will keep in mind when I'm looking for a new mystery.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
This was my first book by Chevy Stephens, and while I didn't totally love it, I would be interesting in looking up some of her work. Her style is very readable and the plot held my attention. Some aspects of the story felt a bit predictable (but maybe I have been reading too much crime fiction...). I did like Nadine, the main character, a therapist in a hospital, who meets a patient whose disturbed story eerily parallels Nadine's own. As the story unfolds, you learn more about her past through chapters told in flashbacks, which I found more intriguing more than the present story. All in all, an engaging read by an author I had heard a lot about and will keep in mind when I'm looking for a new mystery.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
February 14, 2016
I have read 2 other Chevy Stevens books and I was hanging on the edge of my chair. I picked up this book and assumed it would also be a thriller. I was SO disappointed! I couldn't make a connection with the characters, setting or plot. Sigh... I am so glad I didn't read this book first or I would never have read any others. I chose this as my choice for book club and I hadn't read it yet. I was so confident in her other books. The other members liked it much better than I, so it must have just been me.
March 16, 2017
In a collision of disturbing revelations the story grew to something that was creepy, sinister, frightening. Every parents nightmare come true and to many a frightening reality. Chevy Stevens took these lives threw them together and knocked me out of my mind to get to the end. The loss, the anxiety, the sense that someone was always watching had me looking over my shoulder and jumping at every sound. I am definitely going to be adding her books to my collection. I would love to see how the Authors mind creates every story.
February 2, 2016
Not my favorite book by Stevens but I enjoyed it. Good plot and left me wondering what was going to happen. Stevens has a way of throwing a curve ball when you least expect it. All in all it was just ok for me, I don't think any of her books will live up to That Night for me. It's my favorite of hers!
November 13, 2015
Το Σε βλέπω τελικά δεν βλεπόταν!!!
Βαρετό με άσκοπες λεπτομέρειες και με τις σελίδες να προχωράνε χωρίς νόημα.
Ναι το ομολογώ διάβασα κάπου στις 300 σελίδες και μετά πήγα κατευθείαν στο τέλος....
Μισό αστεράκι και πολύ του ήταν!!!!
Βαρετό με άσκοπες λεπτομέρειες και με τις σελίδες να προχωράνε χωρίς νόημα.
Ναι το ομολογώ διάβασα κάπου στις 300 σελίδες και μετά πήγα κατευθείαν στο τέλος....
Μισό αστεράκι και πολύ του ήταν!!!!
September 13, 2024
Πρώτη επαφή με τη συγκεκριμένη συγγραφέα και η αλήθεια είναι πως δεν τρελάθηκα κιόλας. Το βιβλίο είχε ωραία πλοκή και άγγιζε δύσκολα θέματα όπως κακοποίηση σε παιδική ηλικία, εκμετάλλευση ανθρώπων που δεν είναι καλά ψυχολογικά και άλλα τέτοια, όμως παρόλα αυτά δεν κατάφερε να με κάνει να το αισθανθώ στο πετσί μου που λενε. Κουράστηκα αρκετές φορές από την τόση περιγραφικότητα και για αυτό άργησα και τόσο πολύ να το τελειώσω ( μου πήρε σχεδόν 3 μηνες ). Βέβαια,στα τελευταία κεφάλαια που ήταν για να κλείσει πια η ιστορία,η δράση ήταν καταιγιστική και οι σελίδες έφυγαν νερό. Οπότε ναι,έκλεισε ωραία τουλάχιστον.
November 20, 2013
Έχει περάσει ενάμισης χρόνος απ' όταν το δεύτερο βιβλίο της Chevy Stevens με τίτλο, "Το Στίγμα", κυκλοφόρησε και στην ελληνική αγορά, επιβεβαιώνοντας και στους Έλληνες αναγνώστες, πως η φήμη και οι διακρίσεις που είχε κερδίσει μέχρι εκείνη τη στιγμή, δεν ήταν διόλου τυχαίες, αλλά ανταποκρίνονταν σε ένα εξαιρετικό αποτέλεσμα, που επάξια είχε κερδίσει κάθε τίτλο που του είχε απονεμηθεί. Η αγαπημένη συγγραφέας, λοιπόν, επιστρέφει φέτος με ένα νέο, δυναμικό μυθιστόρημα, αρκετά διαφορετικό από τα δύο προηγούμενά της, όχι ως προς την θεματολογική του προσέγγιση, ή τον τρόπο που η ίδια την διαχειρίζεται, αλλά ως προς την μορφή της αφήγησης που επιλέγει, θέλοντας προφανώς να διαφοροποιηθεί και να μην αποκτήσει μια ταμπέλα που στο μέλλον, θα την δεσμεύσει. Κατά την ταπεινή μου άποψη, ήταν η σοφότερη επιλογή που μπορούσε να κάνει.
Η δρ. Ναντίν Λαβουά, έχει μετακομίσει πρόσφατα στην Βικτόρια, όπου και εργάζεται στην τοπική ψυχιατρική κλινική, τελώντας το επάγγελμα που τόσο αγαπάει, ενώ παράλληλα, μπορεί να βρίσκεται κοντά στα μέρη όπου πιθανότατα ζει η ναρκομανής κόρη της με την οποία, δεν διατηρεί σχεδόν καμία επαφή, απ' όταν η τελευταία το έσκασε από το σπίτι της, μετά την ενηλικίωσή της. Όταν μια νεαρή κοπέλα, η Χέδερ, νοσηλευτεί στην κλινική έπειτα από μια ακόμη απόπειρα αυτοκτονίας, η Ναντίν, θα αναλάβει την θεραπεία της ενώ, χωρίς να το γνωρίζει αρχικά, η επαφή μαζί της, θα αρχίσει να φέρνει στην επιφάνεια γεγονότα απ' όταν ήταν παιδί και μαζί με τη μητέρα και τον αδερφό της, έζησε για ένα διάστημα στο ίδιο κοινόβιο με την Χέδερ. Γεγονότα καλά θαμμένα στο παρελθόν της για τα οποία, η ίδια, έχει πολύ συγκεχυμένες αναμνήσεις. Για κάποιον λόγο, το υποσυνείδητό της, έχει θάψει το παρελθόν αυτό και η Ναντίν, πρέπει να προσπαθήσει να θυμηθεί και να καταλάβει τι συνέβη τότε και ίσως, τι μπορεί να συμβαίνει σήμερα.
Αν κάτι αγαπώ στα βιβλία της Stevens είναι πως, αν και κάποιος θα μπορούσε πολύ εύκολα να τα εντάξει στην κατηγορία της αστυνομικής λογοτεχνίας, στην πραγματικότητα, είναι κάτι περισσότερο. Περισσότερο και από ιστορίες μυστηρίου ή δράσης, περισσότερο ακόμα και από ένα δραματικό θρίλερ. Είναι βιβλία μυστηρίου, με αστυνομικές προεκτάσεις, που στον βωμό της δράσης και της περιπέτειας, δεν θυσιάζουν το ανθρώπινο στοιχείο, τον ανθρώπινο παράγοντα, με ό,τι αυτό συνεπάγεται. Τα βιβλία της Stevens, είναι ψυχογραφήματα, με όλη την σημασία της λέξης. Είναι η ά��ρως επιτυχημένη προσπάθεια της σκιαγράφησης του ψυχολογικού προφίλ ενός ανθρώπου, τόσο σε νοητικό, όσο και συναισθηματικό επίπεδο. Δεν προσεγγίζει την υπόθεση επιφανειακά, αντίθετα, κάνει τα πάντα ώστε να εντρυφήσει σε αυτήν, μιλώντας με ρεαλιστικά στοιχεία, με στοιχειοθετημένα ψυχαναλυτικά δεδομένα, έτσι ώστε όχι μόνο να μην μας δημιουργούνται απορίες, αλλά να είναι απόλυτα ξεκάθαρη, τόσο η κατάσταση των χαρακτήρων της, όσο και ο λόγος που οδηγούνται σε συγκεκριμένες σκέψεις, πράξεις και αποφάσεις.
Στα δύο προηγούμενα βιβλία της, η συγγραφέας, ε��χε επιλέξει να αφηγηθεί την εκάστοτε ιστορία της σε πρώτο πρόσωπο, χρησιμοποιώντας ωστόσο τις εξομολογήσεις των πρωταγωνιστριών, ως συνεδρίες ψυχανάλυσης. Αυτή η τεχνική, χρησιμοποιήθηκε για πρώτη φορά στο είδος και αν μη τι άλλο, κατάφερε να κερδίσει τις εντυπώσεις. Γνωρίζοντας όμως πολύ καλά πως το καλό, αν το παρατραβήξεις, μπορεί να το κάνεις να χάσει την αίγλη του, η Stevens, έδωσε τον πρωταγωνιστικό ρόλο, στον άφαντο συμπρωταγωνιστή και ακροατή, των προηγούμενων δύο βιβλίων της. Πανέξυπνη, ευφυέστατη θα έλεγα κίνηση αφού, μπορεί να μην γνωρίζαμε, επί της ουσίας,ως τώρα κάτι σχετικό με την Ναντίν, ωστόσο, η παρουσία της, μας είναι για κάποιο λόγο οικεία, σαν να μοιραζόμαστε μαζί της μια γνώση, που είναι δύσκολο να περιγράψεις με λόγια. Και πέραν αυτού, είναι ο ορισμός της απομυθοποίησης. Κάποιοι, θέλουν να πιστεύουν πως οι ψυχαναλυτές, ψυχίατροι, ψυχοθεραπευτές, δεν έχουν δικά τους άγχη, δικές τους φοβίες, δικά τους προβλήματα. Μεγάλο λάθος! Γιατί κι εκείνοι, όπως όλοι μας, είναι άνθρωποι και ως εκ τούτου, έχουν αδυναμίες, με την μοναδική διαφορά πως, ίσως, έχουν την γνώση και την εμπειρία, να τις διαχειριστούν καλύτερα.
Εξαιρετικά δοσμένη, αλλά και ως προς την εξέλιξή της, πλοκή, μια ιστορία που δεν στερείται δράσης και περιπέτειας, με την αγωνία να κορυφώνεται συνεχώς και με την συγγραφέα, να οδηγεί συνεχώς τον αναγνώστη σε μια νέα έκπληξη, σε μια σοκαριστική αποκάλυψη που αλλάζει τα πάντα. Και ναι, μπορεί ορισμένα γεγονότα να είναι προβλέψιμα στην πηγή τους, αυτό όμως δεν τα κάνει λιγότερο γοητευτικά. Γιατί εκεί που η αστυνομική μυθοπλασία υστερεί, η ψυχολογική προσέγγιση και η χαρτογράφηση του νου και των συναισθημάτων των ανθρώπων, έρχεται να καλύψει και το παραμικρό κενό και να μας κεντρίσει το ενδιαφέρον, με έναν τρόπο διαφορετικό και κατά την ταπεινή μου άποψη, πιο ουσιαστικό. Μπορώ να πω με βεβαιότητα πως η Ναντίν -την οποία πιστεύω ότι θα ξανασυναντήσουμε στο μέλλον-, είναι μια από τις αγαπημένες μου ηρωίδες μετά την ανάγνωση του "Σε Βλέπω", ενός βιβλίου που είναι η απόλυτη απόδειξη πως ο ανθρώπινος νους, μπορεί να δεχτεί και να πιστέψει, οτιδήποτε έχει ανάγκη, ή οτιδήποτε θέλει κάποιος που ξέρει πως να τον εκμεταλλευτεί, να του περάσει υποσυνείδητα, όπως και πόσο εύκολο είναι για να προφυλαχτεί, ο κάθε άνθρωπος, να ξεχάσει οικειοθελώς, κομμάτια του ίδιου του εαυτού του. Πολύ απλά, το λάτρεψα!
Η δρ. Ναντίν Λαβουά, έχει μετακομίσει πρόσφατα στην Βικτόρια, όπου και εργάζεται στην τοπική ψυχιατρική κλινική, τελώντας το επάγγελμα που τόσο αγαπάει, ενώ παράλληλα, μπορεί να βρίσκεται κοντά στα μέρη όπου πιθανότατα ζει η ναρκομανής κόρη της με την οποία, δεν διατηρεί σχεδόν καμία επαφή, απ' όταν η τελευταία το έσκασε από το σπίτι της, μετά την ενηλικίωσή της. Όταν μια νεαρή κοπέλα, η Χέδερ, νοσηλευτεί στην κλινική έπειτα από μια ακόμη απόπειρα αυτοκτονίας, η Ναντίν, θα αναλάβει την θεραπεία της ενώ, χωρίς να το γνωρίζει αρχικά, η επαφή μαζί της, θα αρχίσει να φέρνει στην επιφάνεια γεγονότα απ' όταν ήταν παιδί και μαζί με τη μητέρα και τον αδερφό της, έζησε για ένα διάστημα στο ίδιο κοινόβιο με την Χέδερ. Γεγονότα καλά θαμμένα στο παρελθόν της για τα οποία, η ίδια, έχει πολύ συγκεχυμένες αναμνήσεις. Για κάποιον λόγο, το υποσυνείδητό της, έχει θάψει το παρελθόν αυτό και η Ναντίν, πρέπει να προσπαθήσει να θυμηθεί και να καταλάβει τι συνέβη τότε και ίσως, τι μπορεί να συμβαίνει σήμερα.
Αν κάτι αγαπώ στα βιβλία της Stevens είναι πως, αν και κάποιος θα μπορούσε πολύ εύκολα να τα εντάξει στην κατηγορία της αστυνομικής λογοτεχνίας, στην πραγματικότητα, είναι κάτι περισσότερο. Περισσότερο και από ιστορίες μυστηρίου ή δράσης, περισσότερο ακόμα και από ένα δραματικό θρίλερ. Είναι βιβλία μυστηρίου, με αστυνομικές προεκτάσεις, που στον βωμό της δράσης και της περιπέτειας, δεν θυσιάζουν το ανθρώπινο στοιχείο, τον ανθρώπινο παράγοντα, με ό,τι αυτό συνεπάγεται. Τα βιβλία της Stevens, είναι ψυχογραφήματα, με όλη την σημασία της λέξης. Είναι η ά��ρως επιτυχημένη προσπάθεια της σκιαγράφησης του ψυχολογικού προφίλ ενός ανθρώπου, τόσο σε νοητικό, όσο και συναισθηματικό επίπεδο. Δεν προσεγγίζει την υπόθεση επιφανειακά, αντίθετα, κάνει τα πάντα ώστε να εντρυφήσει σε αυτήν, μιλώντας με ρεαλιστικά στοιχεία, με στοιχειοθετημένα ψυχαναλυτικά δεδομένα, έτσι ώστε όχι μόνο να μην μας δημιουργούνται απορίες, αλλά να είναι απόλυτα ξεκάθαρη, τόσο η κατάσταση των χαρακτήρων της, όσο και ο λόγος που οδηγούνται σε συγκεκριμένες σκέψεις, πράξεις και αποφάσεις.
Στα δύο προηγούμενα βιβλία της, η συγγραφέας, ε��χε επιλέξει να αφηγηθεί την εκάστοτε ιστορία της σε πρώτο πρόσωπο, χρησιμοποιώντας ωστόσο τις εξομολογήσεις των πρωταγωνιστριών, ως συνεδρίες ψυχανάλυσης. Αυτή η τεχνική, χρησιμοποιήθηκε για πρώτη φορά στο είδος και αν μη τι άλλο, κατάφερε να κερδίσει τις εντυπώσεις. Γνωρίζοντας όμως πολύ καλά πως το καλό, αν το παρατραβήξεις, μπορεί να το κάνεις να χάσει την αίγλη του, η Stevens, έδωσε τον πρωταγωνιστικό ρόλο, στον άφαντο συμπρωταγωνιστή και ακροατή, των προηγούμενων δύο βιβλίων της. Πανέξυπνη, ευφυέστατη θα έλεγα κίνηση αφού, μπορεί να μην γνωρίζαμε, επί της ουσίας,ως τώρα κάτι σχετικό με την Ναντίν, ωστόσο, η παρουσία της, μας είναι για κάποιο λόγο οικεία, σαν να μοιραζόμαστε μαζί της μια γνώση, που είναι δύσκολο να περιγράψεις με λόγια. Και πέραν αυτού, είναι ο ορισμός της απομυθοποίησης. Κάποιοι, θέλουν να πιστεύουν πως οι ψυχαναλυτές, ψυχίατροι, ψυχοθεραπευτές, δεν έχουν δικά τους άγχη, δικές τους φοβίες, δικά τους προβλήματα. Μεγάλο λάθος! Γιατί κι εκείνοι, όπως όλοι μας, είναι άνθρωποι και ως εκ τούτου, έχουν αδυναμίες, με την μοναδική διαφορά πως, ίσως, έχουν την γνώση και την εμπειρία, να τις διαχειριστούν καλύτερα.
Εξαιρετικά δοσμένη, αλλά και ως προς την εξέλιξή της, πλοκή, μια ιστορία που δεν στερείται δράσης και περιπέτειας, με την αγωνία να κορυφώνεται συνεχώς και με την συγγραφέα, να οδηγεί συνεχώς τον αναγνώστη σε μια νέα έκπληξη, σε μια σοκαριστική αποκάλυψη που αλλάζει τα πάντα. Και ναι, μπορεί ορισμένα γεγονότα να είναι προβλέψιμα στην πηγή τους, αυτό όμως δεν τα κάνει λιγότερο γοητευτικά. Γιατί εκεί που η αστυνομική μυθοπλασία υστερεί, η ψυχολογική προσέγγιση και η χαρτογράφηση του νου και των συναισθημάτων των ανθρώπων, έρχεται να καλύψει και το παραμικρό κενό και να μας κεντρίσει το ενδιαφέρον, με έναν τρόπο διαφορετικό και κατά την ταπεινή μου άποψη, πιο ουσιαστικό. Μπορώ να πω με βεβαιότητα πως η Ναντίν -την οποία πιστεύω ότι θα ξανασυναντήσουμε στο μέλλον-, είναι μια από τις αγαπημένες μου ηρωίδες μετά την ανάγνωση του "Σε Βλέπω", ενός βιβλίου που είναι η απόλυτη απόδειξη πως ο ανθρώπινος νους, μπορεί να δεχτεί και να πιστέψει, οτιδήποτε έχει ανάγκη, ή οτιδήποτε θέλει κάποιος που ξέρει πως να τον εκμεταλλευτεί, να του περάσει υποσυνείδητα, όπως και πόσο εύκολο είναι για να προφυλαχτεί, ο κάθε άνθρωπος, να ξεχάσει οικειοθελώς, κομμάτια του ίδιου του εαυτού του. Πολύ απλά, το λάτρεψα!
August 13, 2015
Like Chevy Stevens's book that I last read, That Night, this book isn't filled with particularly rich prose, but the pacing (again) was well done, and that for me made this book worth the read.
As far as plotting is concerned, Stevens is a gifted craftsman, though this particular story didn't 'get' me as much as the story in That Night did. I was also a little tripped up by the many, many characters that are introduced and that are not sufficiently fleshed out. I found myself frequently going back just to check on who was who because many were unfortunately quite unmemorable.
I've read two books by this author now and, while I don't expect to have the literary experience of my lifetime reading her other books, I'm still interested in reading them. Some of her writing is a little inane, there's a bit too much 'telling' (as opposed to 'showing'), and the characters aren't particularly round, but they're nice, quick reads and excellent palate cleansers. Maybe (ie, certainly) I'm weird, but I sometimes find it to be relaxing to start a book, knowing that it may only be a three-star book at best.
As far as plotting is concerned, Stevens is a gifted craftsman, though this particular story didn't 'get' me as much as the story in That Night did. I was also a little tripped up by the many, many characters that are introduced and that are not sufficiently fleshed out. I found myself frequently going back just to check on who was who because many were unfortunately quite unmemorable.
I've read two books by this author now and, while I don't expect to have the literary experience of my lifetime reading her other books, I'm still interested in reading them. Some of her writing is a little inane, there's a bit too much 'telling' (as opposed to 'showing'), and the characters aren't particularly round, but they're nice, quick reads and excellent palate cleansers. Maybe (ie, certainly) I'm weird, but I sometimes find it to be relaxing to start a book, knowing that it may only be a three-star book at best.
May 26, 2016
2.75 stars
If you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed story, this is not the book for you. This is definitely more of a slow boil. I have to admit that this is my least favorite so far from Chevy Stevens. Although I found the story interesting enough and liked the characters enough to continue, it took me a while to get through this one.
If you're new to this author, I recommend you do not start with this book. Try Still Missing.
Even though I didn't enjoy this book as much as her others, I am definitely a fan. I have to be honest though, that I was slightly disappointed with this one.
(2016 reading challenge category: a book you own, but have not yet read)
If you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed story, this is not the book for you. This is definitely more of a slow boil. I have to admit that this is my least favorite so far from Chevy Stevens. Although I found the story interesting enough and liked the characters enough to continue, it took me a while to get through this one.
If you're new to this author, I recommend you do not start with this book. Try Still Missing.
Even though I didn't enjoy this book as much as her others, I am definitely a fan. I have to be honest though, that I was slightly disappointed with this one.
(2016 reading challenge category: a book you own, but have not yet read)
August 7, 2017
A woman who had been abused at a young age and had seen too much.
She studied psychiatry and now was a doctor helping people in a hospital setting.
After losing a patient to suicide , Nadine had memories come to the surface of her mind. These things all happened at a commune, where members were fooled by their leader (Aaron )
There was a lot of drama between Nadine and her daughter Lisa. It all came to a head when people who lived at the commune began to talk to each other.
After a huge fire demolished the center and the leader was arrested. Nadine was reunited with her daughter.
A great story of suspense and with a surprise ending.
She studied psychiatry and now was a doctor helping people in a hospital setting.
After losing a patient to suicide , Nadine had memories come to the surface of her mind. These things all happened at a commune, where members were fooled by their leader (Aaron )
There was a lot of drama between Nadine and her daughter Lisa. It all came to a head when people who lived at the commune began to talk to each other.
After a huge fire demolished the center and the leader was arrested. Nadine was reunited with her daughter.
A great story of suspense and with a surprise ending.
October 22, 2017
An interesting reading. Fast paced with interesting characters. The plot was ok in about the 3/4 of the book but after that it got so dull that I jumped a few pages over.
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