Skull Session

By: Daniel Hecht

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 17 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's Summary

Despite his brilliance, Paul Skoglund hasn't held a steady job for years, partly because of his Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disorder that forces his body into wild swings and to blurt out words that are hilariously, often tragically, inappropriate.

When his eccentric, wealthy aunt asks him to take on the repairs of her magnificent hunting lodge, he is in no position to refuse. But inside the lodge lies a scene of almost superhuman destruction: a violence now mirrored by a series of disappearances and deaths haunting the region. As Paul delves into the wreckage, he can't help but wonder what dark passion, and what strength, could cause such chaos.

Janet, Paul's icy ex-wife, plans to use his condition to wrest away custody of their young son. And in his otherwise uncertain world, Paul is sure of one thing: nothing and no one is going to come between him and Mark. But quickening events lead him deeper into his family's past, and as Paul faces the darker aspects of his own nature, he must brave the possibility that in saving those he loves, he might well destroy himself.

©1998 Daniel Hecht (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic Reviews

"A narrative that's populated by believable characters and infused with healthy doses of medical science and psychology. Skull Session is a story that keeps the reader guessing till the very end." (The New York Times Book Review)

Great enough for ME to review!

Though I don't usually put my opinions up for public, for this book I had to. The story is an incredible mix of intense psychology and suspense. The explicit language and the sexual interludes make this for the mature only--fair warning. Fortunately, this is just the type of book a cartoon-plagued parent needs to get her brain thinking at an adult level again. I was absolutely riveted throughout the book. Literally, I could not put my iPod down. I highly recommend both the story and the author. I'm looking forward to hearing more from Daniel Hecht in the near future.

You're going to like this one..

if you like a weird mix of science, science fiction, mystery and good story telling. Hopefully this reading does justice to the creative mind that wrote it. Check out other books by this author too.

Brilliant

I'd never read anything by Daniel Hecht. Wow, this tale is extremely well written and read. At the very beginning of this novel I was drawn in and had difficulty pausing the read; as I didn't want to miss a syllable. I even played part 1 and 2 over just about when they were close to coming to an end. I really wanted to make sure that I didn't miss anything. And what a mystery! Course I found this pretty humerous but then again I do have a warped sense of humor. One down 3 more to go. Hopefully Daniel is still writing and releases another tale very soon. Love the paranormal/psychophysical premis. This book gets 5+ stars from me.

Another great book by DH

Also read Land of Echoes and City of Masks both are GREAT! They are the only two books (so far) that include the paranormal investigator Cree Black. I suggest these for the paranormal mystery fan!

Playing with my head

This author really tied his story together...kept me in suspense throughout. The research and factual information challenged the readers intelligence and enhanced the pleasure. Iwas just a tiny small bit dissapointed by the ending...But as soon as I finished I listened to Hecht's book Land of the Echos....Just as riveting.!!
I hope this author ....KEEPS BRINGING THEM ON...What a wonderful mind.

I respectfully disagree

I found this book very hard to get into and, in fact, put it aside a couple of times before committing. I should have listened to my first instinct on this one.

The extensive and, in my opinion, tedious "neurological disorder" background information made this book feel more like a term paper than a novel and when it becomes clear why the author spent so much of his/our time on this medical and pseudo-medical material in order to (attempt to) justify his big finale -- it just feels forced and false. In essence, the reader/listener must slog through hours and hours of tedium in order to arrive at an entirely un-credible (not incredible) and over-the-top conclusion.

The author's Cree Black series is far better, though those books still feel a little slow and clunky, to me. If you're looking for paranormal thrillers Stephen King still reins supreme, with Dean Koontz a distant second.

A Very Different View

I really liked this. There's a bit TMI about brain chemistry, but it went to places I really didn''t expect. I really found it compelling,even with the over exposure on the science,

So far so good

I'm two thirds through this book and cannot put it down, I mean turn it off. I hope the ending doesn't disappoint me. I think it would make a great movie.

Skull...Duggery

Daniel Hecht has written a brilliant, innovative and spine tingling novel laying bare the "tics" that live within all of us. Using neurological disorders, chiefly Tourette's Syndrome, to explore the demons that we let control us, Hecht has created Paulie, perhaps the most frightening yet enlightening hero in modern literature. And the story is populated with memorable and heartbreaking characters. Read this book; you will be permanently changed for the better.

One of my all-time favorites

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have recommended this book to many friends and family because it is such a great book. It is a glimpse into mental illness and how people function with the issues it creates.
There is a love story, so tender it brings tears (good ones), and a creepy mystery with a total surprise of an ending.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Paul, the hero. He is damaged but a wonderful person. He is also so strong and determined. He develops well throughout the story and by the end, he's someone I would love to know.

What does Christopher Lane bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Christopher Land brings wonderful characterization and the perfect tone to the story. After listening to him read this book, he became one of my favorite readers. I enjoy every book he reads and I'm sure it's because of his skills as a reader.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!! I have listened to this book many times and it's always great. The characters are well developed to the point I miss them when I finish the book. I have read all of Daniel Hecht's books. I would love it if he wrote more.

Any additional comments?

This is a fascinating, well-read book. It is well worth the credit and the time!