The Program (Alan Gregory)

If you want to read a long book about a lady prosecutor who constantly imagines she is surrounded by whales and has an addiction to lollipops (both of these are brought up every couple of pages) then this book is for you.A mobster she got convicted kills her husband and threatens to kill her and her daughter.She tries to disappear in the WITSEC program, but doesn't follow any of the rules. She is chased down by a bunch of hit men and hit women who find her because of her own stupidity. By 2/3 of the book I was hoping someone would blow her away and end my misery! I can't say why I kept reading.

This series was recommended by a friend who suggested I read in the order White wrote them. I have tried to do so and can see the evolution of the author's work. Always insightful and circumspect, the protagonist is a clinical psychologist who stumbles into criminal activity, mostly via his work with his patients, circumstances involving his past or his personal relationships. The stories result in the dramatic consequences and solutions of these crimes.The Program introduces a slightly different format insofar as new characters carry a great deal of the book, and their stories as presented in the first person. Alan Gregory, the psychologist, is peripheral until the end of the book.I enjoyed this break from format, although I note that the next book goes back to form, insofar as the new characters were believable and very interesting. Highly recommend.

so begins the profile of this book on its jacket. And, throughout his newest novel, Stephen White capitalizes on this theme.The 9th book in his series about Boulder psychologist Alan Gregory, leaves no room for doubt that White can be a masterful storyteller, even with Gregory playing a supporting role.Many of the prior reviewers have captured the essence of the storyline, although I found it difficult to put down throughout the course of the novel. White experiments successfully with different narrarators throughout the book, adding to the experience of the novel, rather than detracting from it, in the hands of a less skilled writer. He also gets yet another opportunity to explore one of his quirky passions, the Witness Protection program, in depth. Past White novels have allowed us to learn and explore more about the sport of cycling, the Church of the Latter Day Saints, the condition of multiple sclerosis, etc., while the mystery plotline evolves around his willingness to share knowledge on a variety of topics. I think that is what makes him a favorite of many devoted readers, and reminds me of the early books of Jonathan Kellerman.In particular, Lauren Crowder, wife of Gregory, remains a compelling yet flawed character, enhanced in this book even though she has only a minor role.The real stars are Kirsten Lord, and Carl Luppo. Luppo is pretty well drawn, but the dialogue in therapy between Gregory and Lord is outstanding, and the time spent evolving the "whales" terminology that Lord uses is just as interesting as the revelation of her status as a totally dependent woman, a surprise to both her and to the reader.Just an outstanding read, and a book to treasure. Can be enjoyed without reading the first 8 novels, but you must go back and explore them as well!

This story hooked me right in the beginning and didn't let go. I hated to see it end and yet I read it quickly to find out how it was going to end. The suspense was keeping me on the edge of my seat at all times. I loved this novel and thought it was one of the best written stories I have read.I enjoyed the narration changing from Kirsten/Peyton to Alan to others in the woven story. It kept my interest as the main character, Kirsten/Peyton moved from the point of her husband's murder to Boulder, Co into the Witness Protection Program. There was always something happening to her and others----never boring. When Kristen/Peyton was the narrator, there was such a great sense of humor. I found myself laughing outloud at some of the writing. It was almost hard to believe that there could be so much humor in the story of a hit man and murder. The ending was quite intense----I'd love to read a sequel containing many of these characters.I haven't read anything by this author in the past----but if this is any indication of his writing skills, I'll be reading him in the future.

This is the 9th book in Stephen White's series with psychologist Alan Gregory and a cast of characters that we have come to know over the previous eight books. The difference with this book is that it has little to do with Alan Gregory or any of the other characters. It was a risk in my opinion for the author to make his main star a minor character in someone else's story. And, the risk paid off.I'll admit, I started reading this book because I was reading the series and thought it would be a good read since I already knew the characters. When I realized that the book was totally about someone else and their entrance into the Witness Protection Program and eventually their run from it, I decided I would not like the book. I kept reading anyway and soon I was caught up in the story just like all Stephen White's other books.A different read, but a surprisingly good one.

White continues to disappoint. I liked his first book but every subsequent book has been wanting in one respect or another. Granted, his books grab you at the very outset and keep you reading, even though the plots are overly contrived. And White keeps inserting his pet social peeves throughout the books to the point where you wonder whether he is more interested in entertaining readers or indoctrinating them. So, by the end of his books, you're so tired of overlooking his failures and excesses that you feel let down. This is a typical Stephen White book: Starts off with a bang, then spirals into unrealism. It's like eating cotton candy. At some point you feel the need for real food. White has it in him to be a much better author. I hope he succeeds, but this offering comes up short.

I enjoyed this thriller a lot. Actually, I read and enjoyed it twice. The first time was so many years ago that I didn't remember much and bought the book based on the unfamilliar-seeming sample. (That's quite plausible, since I'm a voracious reader devouring up to 500 books per year.) The second time I was enthralled, even though memory was coming back and some elements were familiar.It's a great book with a strong plot line and interesting conflicts. It's about the Witness Security (Witness Protection) Programme in the USA - how secure is it? Who deserves protection? And when someone gives up her identity and connections to start a new life under the this programme, whom can she really trust?Perhaps it's not very likely that three different people/organisations are after the same woman for three different reasons - but with such a strong, convincing plot, I was a happy to suspend my disbelief about that.For fans of Dr. Alan Gregory, I want to point out that although this book is presented as part the series about this character, he plays a scant role. Indeed, for most of the book his part is incidental. During the climax, he plays an active part, although even that could have been played by someone else. It felt as if the publishers had taken a look at a standalone novel and told the author to insert the series character so the book could be marketed as a series. Personally, I didn't mind this at all. I just want to point it out, in case readers specifically want an Alan Gregory novel.

As expected from SW.

Love Stephen White and as always i was not dissappointed :) Gripping, heart pound and breath taking reading! Love It!

Too many characters to follow in a short book. Boring therapist. Underdeveloped characters. Who are part of the central plot.