From Publishers Weekly
Once Julie Wells had an imaginary playmate, a sweet, sad-faced boy named Jo-Jo whom she promised to marry. Now Julie is engaged to Barry, and Jo-Jo has returned, terrifying her, threatening Barry and warning away Russell Dunn, the psychiatrist Julie has consulted. In analytic sessions, Julie reveals powerful childhood memories. Russell, seeking information, meets and falls in love with Julie's mother, fully aware of the complication his actions will add to his patient's condition. In this novel described as a psychological ghost story, the author of Deadly Communion suggests that the forces of the subconscious can be strong enough to take on a life of their own. Brookes's unsensational style, avoidance of pop psychology and refusal of the easy resolution, make this tale of obsession and incestuous fantasy, of love, responsibility and self-determination all the more compelling.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
A young woman turns to a radio talk-show psychiatrist for help when she receives a valentine from a long-forgotten imaginary childhood playmate. The therapist's involvement triggers a series of malevolent actions that may or may not be linked to the woman's dead father and his mysterious and still powerful hold over her mother. As always Brookes's writing is exemplary, and he is masterful at creating believable dialogue. Unfortunately, the story is somewhat sluggish and predictable, and the ending fizzles. Brookes ( Inheritance , Deadly Communion, etc.) has done better; still, public libraries may want this for their popular fiction shelves. Eric W. Johnson, Univ. of Bridgeport Lib., Ct.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
