Line of Fire

Several old cases preoccupy Alan Gregory in bestseller White’s fine 19th thriller starring the Boulder, Colo., psychologist (after 2010’s The Last Lie). On the personal side, Gregory’s longtime professional partner, Diane, whose emotional condition has been shaky for several years, faces a new crisis in her disintegrating marriage. Gregory is also trying to keep the lid on an old crime—the murder of a psychotic woman in a neighboring town—for which he and his friend, Det. Sam Purdy, were partially complicit. And, as always, a new patient, Amanda Bobbie, is clouding the picture with a cryptic backstory that leads to a stunning cliffhanger involving Gregory’s wife, Lauren. Longtime fans and newcomers alike will enjoy spending time in the company of the always hospitable Gregory. In an author’s note, White explains why he’s bringing the series to an end with the 20th installment. There’s one patient left in the waiting room, however. Let’s hope it’s a long session. Agent: Robert Barnett, Williams & Connolly. (Aug.)