The Last Session

The arresting latest from Bartz (after The Writing Retreat) blends spirituality, suspense, and a dash of sci-fi to tell the story of a woman who’s roped into a dangerous cult. Thea, a 32-year-old social worker in New York City, has struggled with vivid dreams of life on another planet ever since she saw the fantasy film Stargirl as a teenager. After she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a Jane Doe at the psychiatric clinic where she works, Thea realizes the patient is actually Stargirl lead Catherine O’Brien. Then Catherine vanishes, and Thea becomes obsessed with tracking her down. With the help of a handsome PI, she pursues Catherine to an isolated area outside of Albuquerque, N.Mex., which is hosting a retreat for members of a bizarre organization called the Center for Relational Healing. Led by charismatic shamans Moon and Sol, the Center’s rituals involve orgies and intense group therapy. Eventually, it begins to seem that the ceremonies are designed to convince a fevered Thea that she and Catherine are sisters from another world, and that she’s destined to fulfill a world-changing prophecy—even if it kills her. Bartz keeps tensions high and answers behind locked doors as she immerses readers in the frightening daily power plays of cult life. It’s a wild ride. Agent: Alexandra Machinist, CAA. (Apr.)