Barbara Shapiro (1)

A multi-generational women’s group with diverse interests organized many author events titled "Open a Book...Open Your Mind with [author's name]" held in an intimate setting in a suburb of Philadelphia, PA. In this setting I had an opportunity to meet Barbara Shapiro in late April 2017. Listening to the author's writing technique was fascinating and as anticipated from reading any of her work I was impressed by the amount and compilation of research which adds not only interest but to the quality, effectiveness, and soul of her writing.

In preparation for attendance for the book talk and signing, I purchased several novels by the author in addition to "The Art Forger" and "The Muralist" which I had already read. Reading "Blameless" completes reading of the novels purchased to have autographed. Reviews were posted earlier for "Blind Spot" and "The Safe Room." The writing style for these three (3) novels is totally different than "The Art Forger" and "The Muralist." I enjoyed both of those novels but I have been totally surprised by the intensity of her compelling psychological thrillers and that these earlier novels did not catapult her work to bestseller lists.

Reading the twists and turns had me changing my mind about the outcome of the riveting storyline more than once but that is a challenge which I always welcome especially when the stakes are high for the protagonist. In this case, the stakes are high not only for Dr. Diana Marcus (psychologist with expertise in borderline personality disorders) professionally but also personally for her marriage and unborn child. I can truly say that I didn't guess the ending. If you've not read the novel, now it's your turn to test your hypothesis or hypotheses. Even if you don't guess correctly, I hope you enjoy the reading challenge of this thriller as much as I did.… (meer)

"Reality is at the edges of your awareness, you just need to let yourself turn sideways a bit to see it."

After reading "The Art Forger" and "The Muralist" I wanted to read some earlier novels by this author. The writing style in "Blind Spot" is totally different and I would have never guessed that it was written by B.A. Shapiro. That said, it was a riveting read from cover-to-cover. I was unaware of the role of a forensic psychologist and that alone was eye-opening. I highly recommend this novel not only to those with an interest in the paranormal but it's a great introduction to all who have questions and are open to expanding their own universe of thinking.… (meer)

Lindsay doesn't believe in ghost in spite of everything in new apartment moving...her books constantly being rearranged... things like her forks disappearing... the dog in the apartment one floor below cowering in the corner and her entire apartment being saturated in the smell of lavender. The real estate agent uncovers some some old journals written in the 1840's by the wife of builder of the house. The story slowly unveils a life of domination by a drunken husband and the heartbreak of losing three small children. What transpired in past has come full circle in the present and Lindsay finds that her life is no longer her own. I got a little frustrated with Lindsay and her hard hardheadedness...but maybe she had good reason for resisting that are not revealed until the very end. It's not a real scary ghost story...if anything it's rather sad. Anyone that likes history, a little of the paranormal with their murder mystery will like this book.… (meer)