Gregg Hurwitz - The Program (2004)
Barely 31 years old, Gregg Hurwitz has published five books, the latest
The Program. A sequel to The Kill Clause (2003), this is another
crackerjack thriller featuring disgraced U.S. Marshal Tim Rackley.
Rackley is still recovering from the incidents of the previous novel when he is
approached by a wealthy couple seeking help. Their 18-year-old daughter, Leah,
has run off and joined a cult ("The Program") and they want help getting her
back. Rackley reluctantly agrees, feeling their pain as a parent himself as well
as a burning desire to get back into the action.
Temporarily returned to active duty with the marshal's service, Rackley
gradually infiltrates the cult. Posing as a rich dot-commer searching for
fulfillment, he cozies up to the Program's members, particularly the
monomaniacal leader who calls himself "The Teacher."
Once he is accepted as a member, Rackley learns that rescuing Leah is not
enough. In order to succeed he must destroy The Program and its leader, no
matter what the risk to his career and safety.
The most fascinating parts of Hurwitz's book are those dealing with the
mentality of cults, particularly their mind-control system and recruitment
techniques. It is both intriguing and horrifying to read how The Program preys
upon the lost, needy and afraid, manipulating them into doing almost anything
the leaders desire.
Filled will well-drawn characters, meticulous research and pulse-pounding
action, The Program is easily one of the best thrillers of the year.
Posted by David J. Montgomery in Book Reviews | Permalink
