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Psychiatrist Dr. Carter Lane and his best friend, Dr. Michael Forester, work together in the Rhodes Wellness Center, a Salem, Oregon, clinic. After Forester's death, Lane assumes some of his case work, inheriting a patient named Arthur Frampton. While preparing for his initial session with Frampton, Lane becomes aware of Forester's initial diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder and Frampton's referral to one of the personalities he calls the Not-Me. His treatment goal is to unite all of Frampton's personalities into a cohesive whole. When his wife and others with whom he is associated begin to die in unusual circumstances, the psychiatrist believes he is being targeted. As evidence piles up against him, he realizes he must somehow find the truth of what is happening or risk spending the rest of his life in prison. He is convinced the answer lies in the case of Arthur Frampton, but how?
Great thrillers do one thing better than mediocre ones: they never carelessly reveal answers but instead take readers through a series of scenarios with whiplash turns and twists that keep them guessing until the very end. Cook is skilled at doing just that. He creates well-rounded, interesting characters who drive the narrative through believable dialogue. Those fascinated by psychology will find information in the narrative that enhances their understanding of the plot. Cook takes the best elements of the psychological thriller and weaves an exciting, intriguing tale. This one will have readers eagerly turning the pages to discover who or what is the real boogeyman in the story. The answer may surprise them.