John Katzenbach: The Analyst

By MICHELLE HEWITSON

I don't know whether Katzenbach was a psychoanalyst. On balance I'd say it's more likely he's been the victim of a psychoanalyst. This one's about revenge from the lying-down side of the couch. Dr Frederick Starks is a therapist who listens to other people's problems and never offers an opinion, especially not on whether what he does actually helps people. He lives in an apartment attached to his office, doesn't socialise and doesn't like surprises.

On his 53rd birthday he gets a letter which accuses him of having ruined the life of the letter writer, who now intends to ruin Starks' life.

The writer calls himself Rumpelstiltskin and he gives Starks two weeks to guess his identity. If he does, the doctor wins. If he doesn't, his family and friends will have their lives ruined. The real trick is that Starks, who cares for nobody, will be forced to rediscover emotion and responsibility.

Trickier than a therapist's answer, and much better value for money.

Bantam Press

$34.95