Jonathan Kellerman — Flesh And Blood

Headline (UK) 2002 Paperback, 566pp. When Alex Delaware first saw Lauren Teague she was a sullen teenager with the usual problems: bad grades at school, moody, uncommunicative with her parents - which is why they thought she needed to see a psychologist. But after only a few sessions, as Alex began to gain her trust, Lauren abruptly terminated her therapy. Years later, Lauren's mother is pleading for help once again. Lauren has vanished - and she thinks Alex can find her. He reluctantly agrees to try, but as he starts to investigate Lauren's troubled past he is drawn into the shadowy worlds of fringe psychological experimentation and LA's seedy sex industry. Sensing that Lauren's dark family secrets may hold the key to her disappearance, Alex disregards the advice of his trusted friend, LAPD detective Milo Sturgis, not to get involved. As his quest for the truth beomes an obsession, he is prepared to risk his relationship with long-time lover Robin Castagna, and even puts his own life at risk . (ISBN: 9780747265009). Good.