Trance

Alex Madison, Book 1

By: Adam Southward

Narrated by: Steve West

Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

His victims are powerless. He is in control. This is his revenge - and he’s only just begun.

Three university scientists are found dead in a gruesome murder-suicide, and the only suspect in the case, Victor Lazar, is quickly captured. When the spate of violent suicides follows him to prison he is moved to solitary confinement, reserved for the highest-risk inmates. And then his assigned psychologist inexplicably takes his own life.

Alex Madison, a former forensic psychologist turned private therapist, is brought in to interview Victor. He suspects that Victor is controlling his victims, somehow coaxing them into a suggestive trance. It seems like science fiction, but as Alex digs deeper he uncovers a frightening reality of secret research and cruel experimentation - and the perpetrators are closer to home than he could ever have imagined.

Too late, Alex learns the true extent of what Victor is capable of - and who he’s after. With everything he holds dear at risk, can Alex take control of a dangerous mind - before it takes control of him?

©2019 Adam Southward (P)2019 Brilliance Audio, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“A tense, original thriller that perfectly blends the nail-biting suspense and shocks of Silence of the Lambs and Shutter Island.” (John Marrs, bestselling author of When You Disappeared)

“A brilliantly original idea, with a terrifying villain at its heart.” (Claire McGowan, author of What You Did and the Paula Maguire series)

Pretty Good, But ...

Overall this book was interesting to listen to all the way through, but when you realize at the end that it's set up for more stories, I was left with the feeling, "Ah, that was pretty good, but I'm not sure I'm invested enough in these characters to want to keep the story going".

good

loved it, saw the ending though. British accent tough at times. Hopefully part two is better.

Puppet master a new kind of killer

This was a suspenseful novel that gripped me from the start and kept me reading until the end of the story. The story has a unique premise. People are being gruesomely killed/suicide in secure situations or in the presence of others. The secret of how it happens is left to Alex Madison to discover.

Alex Madison, the protagonist, is an Xanax-addicted former forensic psychologist who worked with the police on a case which ended disastrously. Ashamed and guilt ridden he retreats to the safety of private practice becoming the psychologist to the stars. When he is called to consult on Victor’s case, he sees that as a form of redemption. To succeed he must confront his demons, personal and professional while saving his family.

Victor is the antagonist who is an enigma which captivates Alex while threatening his life. Victor’s unassuming presence and kill method allows him to hide in plain sight. The story centers around illegal and unethical psychological work done with Romania orphanages in the 1900s. Victor was a child of nine-years-old in such an orphanage. The kids’ lives were dictated by the cruel methods used in the name of research and their need to survive the psychological battles against each other.

Victor’s story is presented in flashbacks. Without regulations in the Romania psychology medical profession doctors were able to act without impunity against the kids. Though you began to empathize with Victor’s hatred of the medical profession his method of being a puppet master was enthralling and just plain wrong. The suspense is built around trying to stop Victor before he can increase his kills. In addition to the police and Alex looking for Victor, there is an organization familiar with the illicit research looking to corral him as well.

Because there was a murder not resolved and no information on the organization that wanted Victor, I could not give the story a five.

Great Book

I loved this book. Normally I do not go for mysteries and thrillers but the name of thos book caught my eye. I have already read the book and loved it , so I got the audible and it was great. Adam southward did a great job on his first novel and I will get his next novel with audible.

interesting story line

A relative different story line. it was intriguing, fun to listen to, and a few twists.

Loved this book

It kept me hooked from the beginning till end. Great medical/psychological thriller. And, it's free on Kindle unlimited. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Possibly the best narrative I've heard

Trance is a serious book that will touch many emotions for many people. The strange murders, the mental abuses and manipulations, the strained relationships and revenge all play out in Trance. The narration by Steve West was so well done that the transitions between characters was seamless. (I still hear her voice, or do I?) Combined with the wonder writing, I could not have had a more entertaining experience reading a book. I highly recommend this book by Adam Southward and the Audible by Steve West.

Ok but not GREAT

The premise was good but too much extra unnecessary stuff that made it drag on.

Good story. Compelling characters.

The narrator was amazing. I really enjoyed the story and the listening experience. I would definitely read more from this author.

Great Premise for a story !! So so delivery

Clenched Jaws!!! This author needs a thesaurus!!! The author has only one phrase to express stress all through the book to the point my TMJ attacks went through the roof!!! The main character total self absorbed inept ass! Great Bad Guy. Narrator did great job with him. Otherwise , I was generous with my stars because I respect authors but doubt I will read anything else by him.