Image via WikipediaOne Voice Too Many
Paul Martin Midden
Many of us have heard on the news, when a tragic murder has occurred, that neighbors claim that the individual involved as always been quiet, a good neighbor, or something similar, though now expressing their amazement or dismay learning that somebody they knew was guilty of such an action(s)...
But surely, if we are willing to admit it to ourselves, we all do things that so go against our nature, that we later realize that we shouldn't have done it, and maybe even wonder what led to our being so emotionally involved that we, for a moment, snapped. Fortunately for most, that situation may never arise again and everybody soon forgives and forgets.
Sometimes, however, when that break occurs, for whatever reason, something happens in the brain of that individual... Or, maybe, something had already been wrong, but had never been triggered...
If you dare, enter into the life of Jeremy...
Jeremy worked in construction. In fact, an accident occurred the day he met Macy and Macy could have been seriously hurt but there was an attraction between them that soon turned into a relationship and, later, marriage.
Jeremy had been mostly a loner although he enjoyed his job. Still, Friday meant that he could look forward to going home and not having to be around people. But, now they were married and Macy wanted a home. They had been living in a small apartment and it had been hard for Jeremy to adjust to how close it was when all three, including Macy's daughter, were all home. Jeremy cared for both of them deeply, but when Macy wanted to buy a home, even though it was not what Jeremy really wanted, he had agreed. Once there, he realized that having more space was much better, but...
Jeremy began having dreams...
And then one day, he turned to see who was talking to him, but nobody was there. He knew he was awake, but he knew he had heard somebody... That wasn't the last time and soon he started answering back...
What IS that breaking point that triggers aggressive actions towards others. I admit I was fascinated to read One Voice Too Many, meeting Jeremy and watching as his psychosis was affected as his home life changed and he felt he was losing control of his life, until he began to change enough that his closest family members began to see what was happening and became afraid. Could individuals who show early symptoms have been helped if his psychological issues had been detected during his childhood? Were they even apparent to his parents? Midden doesn't take readers into that period of Jeremy's life, but meeting Jeremy in Midden's novel allows readers to begin to understand how some individuals turn to criminal activities, including those against people.
This book won't be for everyone. If you are not intrigued by the psychological makeup of criminals, this one isn't for you. You've been warned...
True crime enthusiasts, those who love psychological drama (like Criminal Minds, for instance), practitioners, are those who will find learning more about Jeremy's progression to his break from reality very informative.But stops short so that readers do not really see a significant amount of his aggression. Midden spends enough time sharing Jeremy thoughts and changes, while he leaves the conclusion open-ended. If it were a routine thriller, I might think that it was a setup for another novel...This time, I'm not sure...Will Jeremy ever be well again? This novel is extremely thought-provoking and a potential intimate look into a "criminal mind" as it develops and ultimately snaps into actions. Highly recommended for those who seek to learn, to explore the fascination with criminal activities and why.... What happens and what might be behind the actions of those we see on television, having just killed another individual? Is it learned behavior or definitely mental health? No answers are provided, but Dr. Madden has certainly helped us in seeing the background and evolution... You decide whether you want to meet Jeremy. I was...and I'd even like to know what happened to him?
Book Received Via
http://maryglenn.com/.
GABixlerReviews
Paul Martin Midden is a practicing psychologist and the author of two previous novels. His literary interests include developing interesting characters who are confronted with the challenges of modern life. He lives and works in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he experiments with different approaches to fiction.
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