A Familiar Sight: 1 (Dr. Gretchen White, 1) Paperback – 1 Aug. 2021

Well written, absorbing characters who jump off the page and prey on your mind. Challenging subject, with a child psychopath that sometimes was difficult to read. Compelling storytelling.

Makes a refreshing change to find a First Reads book that is very good; in fact to find a very good book full stop! The storyline is thought provoking, with many plausible twists that build up with momentum towards the conclusion. It’s definitely one of those plots where my idea of the possible suspect/s changed from start to finish.The characters are intriguing, particularly the main named character- Dr Gretchen White. She’s very intelligent, rude but funny with it, wealthy and has a superb instinct. She’s a highly functioning sociopath and uses this ‘skill’ to assist the police in certain cases. In this first book of the series Gretchen is partnered with another well described character, DC Marconi. Between the two there many lighthearted interchanges during their investigation.Another reviewer has given the outline of the plot. I agree that some of the backwards and forwards in the timeline are a little confusing but they do keep the mind alert.At the heart of this psychological thriller is the nastiness of human behaviour but it is dealt with in a believable manner without gratuitous violence or sex.I recommend a read. I shall definitely be waiting, with some impatience, for the second book in the series.

I really wasn't expecting much from this book, but what I got was well rounded characters with a nicely crafted twisty story which was unexpectedly tender in places. I don't know if this is an accurate portrayal of a sociopath "hero" -I have my doubts- but I do know I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her and the supporting cast.

Not bad- a bit tedious but readable. All the sociopath and psychopath descriptions are a bit boring but the basic story was good

This was a good read. The actual crime and plot was very well thought out and well played out throughout the story. My only one reservation, was that would a police department be allowed to confer with a diagnosed sociopath and one that may have committed murder? Just, in my opinion, this was the flaw in a great plot and maybe the flaw if it is to be a series. Hannibal used the same idea in the series, but that was a more surreal, even fantastical crime series.

This book twists and turns all the way through. A proper "who did it" from start to finish. I liked the story and the pace at which it was told. Loved the characters as well. Definitely worth a read. I'm away to look for the next book in the series.

...then it became twisted and great before, in the final pages, it became phenomenal. I was in public when the final twist hit me in the face. I shouted "What?" at my kindle bringing more attention to myself than I ever wanted. If Brianna Labuskes manages something similar in the next book she will have a new fan for life.

I started reading this not expecting to enjoy it as the synopsis didn't grip me but I wanted to read it before the official publication date.This was full of twists and turns all the way through that kept me guessing and wanting more.At first it was a little confusing as each chapter took place at different times and I had to keep going back to check how far back an event occured but once I got past that, this was a very quick and easy read.As somebody who isn't massively into crime thrillers this one surprised me by how hooked I became, I highly recommend it to anyone who wants and easy adrenaline rush from their literature.

I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting right from the start. I loved how the storyline played out. It is definitely worth a read. I am looking forward to more from author

This book follows Dr. Gretchen White, a psychologist and criminal investigator, as she becomes involved in a murder case. Viola Kent is charged with murdering her mother Claire Kent, and another recent death has Gretchen interested in finding out the truth. There are 63 total chapters, and the chapters switch back and forth between the perspectives of Gretchen and of Reed Kent, who is Claire's husband and Viola's father. There are also jumps back and forth in time with some of the chapters, as pieces of the story slowly come together.I was quickly impressed with how the author creates a picture of Gretchen's personality. We get a sense of Gretchen's unusual and slightly disturbing persona, not from the author always telling us directly, but from how Gretchen responds to situations and interactions with other people. This creates a more realistic and compelling character, as we aren't simply told “Gretchen is disturbed,” but we are instead given a window into her mind, so we understand the world through her eyes.The way the author tells this story really pulled me in; I felt Reed's distress as he dealt with his dangerous daughter, and was intrigued by Gretchen and her sociopath tendencies as she attempts to unravel a mystery. Gretchen is a unique kind of protagonist, and it makes for an engaging story when the reader isn't sure how to feel about the main characters. The story moves along at a good pace, always keeping you guessing about the character's motivations. There are some good twists, and well thought out revelations that I enjoyed. The ending even creates a new opening for the next book in the series, and I am anxious to read more from this author.Overall, I liked this book much more than the other First Read book that was labeled as a Thriller (The Receptionist). That other one was more of a domestic, soap opera-type drama; while this book is a unique murder mystery/thriller, with a much more interesting set of characters. There is plenty here to keep you reading, and I wasn't ever bored with the story.

Narrative was fantastic.Disliked the Reed chapters now and then. But, that's the part of cliffhanger.Other than that, everything is good and great.Thanks for writing something this good.

Thrilling. The suspense was powerful. I had my suspicions at about the 50% mark but the author managed to make me second guess myself at every turn.I can’t wait for book two! The main characters are amazingly written, especially Gretchen. A masterpiece.

The first in a new series, A Familiar Sight by Brianna Labuskes introduces Doctor Gretchen White. She is a psychologist and criminologist specialising in violent crime. She assists Detective Patrick Shaughnessy of Boston PD as a consultant, who believes she is a sociopath who got away with her aunt’s murder. When a lawyer friend in a high-profile case is discovered dead, Gretchen investigates. The people involved and a twenty-year-old disappearance intrigue her. Psychologically, Dr White gets motivation but emotions escape her, yet she solves mysteries like no one else can. This latest case has striking similarities to her own life and is a scintillating read with a wonderful new hero. It’s a must-read and can’t wait for the next instalment – five-star rating for those who enjoy cogent mysteries. With thanks to Thomas & Mercer and the author for an uncorrected proof copy for review purposes.