The Red Room

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Penzler Pick, August 2001: Nicci French, the pseudonym of a London couple, is gaining recognition in the U.S. after their previous romantic thrillers, Killing Me Softly and Beneath the Skin. Their latest work, The Red Room, marks a shift in style, reminiscent of Frances Fyfield but more straightforward. The narrative challenges readers to consider the often obstructive role of police in the lives of individuals not in their employ. Central to the story are Katherine Quinn, a clinical psychologist, and Michael Doll, a troubled young man who previously attacked her, leaving her with severe facial injuries during an evaluation. Driven by curiosity and a sense of duty, Kit Quinn reluctantly agrees to meet Michael again, now accused of murder. However, after their encounter, she begins to doubt his guilt, complicating her feelings and the situation. While the suspenseful setup is engaging, the resolution may not fully satisfy. Nonetheless, The Red Room offers compelling entertainment, featuring a complex and relatable heroine at its core. --Otto Penzler