M.J. Rose The Venus Fix

The Venus Fix

M.J. Rose

Mira, Jul 2006, $6.99

ISBN 077832317X

Manhattan sex therapist psychiatrist Dr. Morgan Snow of the Butterfield Institute has had some strange clients in her practice (see THE DELILAH COMPLEX and THE HALO EFFECT), but her newest patient may be the oddest ever. He refuses to divulge his name or his occupation so they agree on calling him Bob; he insists he must remain anonymous as his career and that of his wife would tank if it got out that he is addicted to Internet pornography. She also is counseling several high school students, both genders, with web porn site desires.

Morgan's on and off boyfriend NYPD Detective Noah Jordain investigates two killings of Internet fantasy females in which the killer shows the homicide live via the woman's Web camera. Morgan thinks the murders are connected to her practice and resolutely tries to find that link while Noah tells her to stay out of it.

The third Snow tale once again cleverly blends her sex therapy practice with a police investigation. The key to this series is Morgan who has a sort of blas attitude about sex and murder, which frustrates her former spouse and her current lover. Though the "Son of Sam" style disturbing notes from the killer seems a literary requirement that only slows down the for the most part fast-paced action, fans of psychological suspense will appreciate this chilling thriller.

Harriet Klausner