Dr. Nick Thesiger is a psychologist with a small practice in New York City, and is struggling with both finances and his marriage.

Nick is also the most unreliable narrator possible. As a psychologist, he has flashes of brilliance, but he can also be reprehensible. He is very smart, but is also afflicted with his own mental health issues.

In the beginning of this novel, Nick is sitting in a chair, in prison and shackled, having a conversation with his friend Bill, who is acting as his psychologist. Bill has asked Nick to write down the events of the last week, as he remembers them, hoping that this will help both of them get a better idea of the events in a more timely manner. During his encounter, Nick is obnoxious, argumentative, and arrogant. This is not stated directly, but at this point, the reader knows that Nick has been accused of killing his wife.

And so Nick writes his story, starting with Monday morning. Most of Nick’s narrative chronicles his interactions with patients, and showcases how he morphs into a different character for each. Since his practice is not thriving, he is loathe to lose customers–and that’s what they are, as much as patients. So, even when his patients no longer need to be there, or shouldn’t be there, it’s in his interest to keep them checking in with him so that he can keep billing them. And he has no moral compunctions about this at all.

Nick’s behavior outside of work is bizarre, and even though he is telling the story, it is obvious that he treats his wife, Julie, horribly. Some of the conversation is strange enough to be the warped memory of someone who never sleeps normally. Indeed, there are times when Nick loses track of time, and he is always tired and ready to take a nap.

After sending his narrative to Bill. he is once again led by a guard back to a visiting room, waiting to see his friend. And all along, the reader is wondering what is true, and what is not.

This is the first book in a series, and is cleverly written. I found Nick’s descriptions of his clients to be mostly very interesting to read, and the fact that he included such details in the week’s timeline showcases his unfocused state of mind. This is an intriguing character study of a man who is both totally unlikeable, but also incredibly fascinating.

Thank you to author Courtland O.K. Smith and to Book Tasters for this rare experience.