Compulsion - Book Review

Kliatt, Nov, 2002 by Miles Klein

Keith Ablow. 2002. Read by Guerin Barry. Abridged, 4 tapes. 6 hrs. Audio Renaissance. 1-55927-748-3. $25.95. Cardboard, plastic; plot notes. A

This is a quirky psychological thriller with decidedly powerful erotic overtones. At the same time, it's a classic whodunit, with lots of suspects, lots of motives and opportunities, and a surprising revelation at the end. Barry, a strong reader with a pleasing baritone voice, "tells" this first-person story as forensic psychiatrist Frank Clevenger. One of Darwin Bishop's twin infant daughters is murdered in an especially brutal way. Initially, the entire dysfunctional Bishop family are suspects. Bishop is a mega-wealthy businessman who thrives on power and control. His young and sexually charged wife Julia has a somewhat lurid past. One of the two adopted teenaged boys has a disturbing psychological profile of violence. Into their midst comes Frank Clevenger, initially to evaluate one of the boys, but try as he may to remain detached and professional, he soon finds Julia's charms to be irresistible. As his professional life and personal life become hopelessly and dangerously entangled, the as-yet-unknown killer targets him. The fun is trying to identify the killer along with the narrator. Miles Klein, Frisco, TX