The Key to Susanna

Rating:
Summary: incredible but nevertheless entertaining
Review: I had made note of a May 1996 Chicago Tribune review that had summarized "The Key to Susanna" as 'part thirller, part psychological character study'. This book served as my entertainment in the Lincoln, Nebraska airport awaiting Chicago weather to clear to allow for takeoff. I was engrossed enough in the psychotherapy angle to miss the first announcement of flight delay. However, about half way through the book I found myself examining the cover art and reading the reviews of Norman's other novels and realized that I had been tricked into reading a contemporary romance! The joke was on me, though, as I was taken in by every unbelievable plot permutation. I was as interested as Peter Strauss, the therapist, in finding the key to Susanna, regardless of the incredulousness of her story. If 'part thriller, part psychological character study' catches your novel mind's eye, give this novel a chance.

Rating:
Summary: incredible but nevertheless entertaining
Review: I had made note of a May 1996 Chicago Tribune review that had summarized "The Key to Susanna" as 'part thirller, part psychological character study'. This book served as my entertainment in the Lincoln, Nebraska airport awaiting Chicago weather to clear to allow for takeoff. I was engrossed enough in the psychotherapy angle to miss the first announcement of flight delay. However, about half way through the book I found myself examining the cover art and reading the reviews of Norman's other novels and realized that I had been tricked into reading a contemporary romance! The joke was on me, though, as I was taken in by every unbelievable plot permutation. I was as interested as Peter Strauss, the therapist, in finding the key to Susanna, regardless of the incredulousness of her story. If 'part thriller, part psychological character study' catches your novel mind's eye, give this novel a chance.