This book is an astute observation by a lay person, not in the medical fi eld, as well as not in the professional clinical psychology fi eld. The author is a clergyman. He was raised in the atmosphere of a household where serious identifi cation problems existed. The author became acclimated to this household environment, and actually found it to be pleasant. He now remembers it as the wonderful days of childhood back on the family farm. As a result, there has developed, a tolerance of people who have acute I D problems, as well as a savvy, and a God given discernment capability. People who have I D as well as other psychological problems feel drawn to this author. The author makes no claim to holding any applicable credential as a professional, in some of the fi elds of interest presented by this book. He claims no medical knowledge more than common knowledge, nor professional psychology knowledge beyond common knowledge. He has done his research as a writer, and defers to professionals. Nothing is intended to suggest that this book is about the practice of medicine by the author, nor any credentialed psychological service by the author. This book is the author’s autobiography, and is intended to be a documentary of a lay persons observations. I do hope that some professional experts can fi nd these observations helpful to their cause.

The first three crime thrillers in an award-winning series starring a tough Florida PI—from the New York Times–bestselling author of Single White Female. New York Times– and USA Today–bestselling author John Lutz has been hailed as “a major talent” by John Lescroart and “one of the masters” by Ridley Pearson. “Lutz offers up a heart-pounding roller coaster” (Jeffery Deaver) in his thrillers and “knows how to make you shiver” (Harlan Coben). “The Carver series is the finest work yet by this prolific author” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch). After a criminal’s bullet shattered not only his knee but also his career as an Orlando cop and his marriage, Fred Carver starts over as a private detective. In this award-winning ten-book series, Lutz’s “dogged Carver is a believably heroic guy, tough, scarred and able to exhibit fear and courage at the same time” (Publishers Weekly). Tropical Heat: The police think Willis Davis committed suicide, but beautiful real-estate broker Edwina Talbot is convinced her missing lover is alive and hires Carver to find him. Following a twisted trail from luxurious beach resorts to the swamps of the Everglades, Carver runs afoul of violent Cubans, a DEA agent, and assorted criminals, all while falling hard for his lovely client. “Lutz has never written leaner prose, and the novel’s ending, especially the last sentence, is a delight.” —USA Today Scorcher: When Carver’s young son becomes the third victim of a serial killer with a homemade flamethrower, the tortured private eye won’t rest until he’s avenged the boy’s death. “The prose is lean, the action fast-paced, the suspense unrelenting . . . superior entertainment.” —The San Diego Union Kiss: After his elderly uncle’s suspicious death at Sunhaven Retirement Home, Lt. Alfonso Desoto hires Carver to find out what’s going on behind the closed doors of the facility. Soon he’s tangling with everyone from a rough head nurse to a brutally sadistic thug. Winner of the Shamus Award. “The grip on the reader is relentless until the final, entirely unforeseen shocker rings down the curtain on Lutz’s best novel so far.” —Publishers Weekly