Deliver Us From Evil by Louis Wynne, published in 2002 by 1stBooks.com
Reviewed by Tim Schuster, MD

Torture of the most appalling sort has become a commonplace of the 21st century world although most Americans leading insulated lives do not want to know about it or think about its vast implications. Capt. Tom Fresquez, Wynne's Hispanic anti-hero, blunders into this physically and spiritually excruciating conundrum.

As a cautiously correct U.S. Air Force officer Fresquez has already sacrificed most of his individual identity to buy into the American dream of respectable conformity when he unwittingly becomes the focus of a murderous cabal of foreign terrorists who happen not to be Islamic. Not only does he know too much, but as an intelligence officer Fresquez still doesn't realize what it is that he knows. When the most skilled torturer of the terrorist group deftly drives Fresquez into insanity he is left to the tender mercies of our own state-sponsored "mental health system."

Why the terrorists, and indirectly our author the former intelligence officer and experienced clinical psychologist Dr. Louis Wynne, leave antihero Fresquez alive but incapacitated instead of finishing him off along with his secret is the deepest riddle of this disquieting work of near-fiction. After working professionally with the author this reviewer suspects that Dr. Wynne is presenting us with an allegory, a modern Pilgrim's Progress in which Everyman struggles not with Sin but with that even more seductive principle, Conformity. This struggle is the theme uniting the three worlds that we vicariously experience in this enthralling first novel. These are the equally insane worlds of the psychiatric establishment, the military bureaucracy, and the surprisingly conformist of international terrorism. Wynne dissects all three with irony while keeping the reader involved in the unfolding action.

Tim Schuster, MD
Albuquerque, NM
September 1, 2002

Deliver Us From Evil by Louis Wynne, published in 2002 by 1stBooks.com
Reviewed by Susan Trodoux

Dr. Wynne not only delivers a powerful story of intrigue, intricate characters, and commentary on present day psychiatric services, but also weaves the flavor of the Southwest, the Orient, and small town America into a novel that leaves the reader eager to know what happens next. From the opening pages that create an image of soaring cranes to the seamy inner city closing scenes, "Deliver Us From Evil" unfolds into a series of involvements asking the question, "Just who is the bad guy?" This story appeals to all of the senses! Can't wait to see it on the big screen!

Susan Trodoux
Human Resources Supervisor
November, 2002

Deliver Us From Evil by Louis Wynne, published in 2002 by 1stBooks.com
Reviewed by Phyllis N. Williamson, Ph.D.

What could be more timely than a story revolving around the international intrigue of psychological terrorism interwoven with the mysterious world of mental health treatment in the United States? Louis Wynne has created an exciting, believable and, unexpectedly, informative novel. Deliver Us From Evil leads the reader through a maze of conspiracy, embedded in historical incidents and ultimately having repercussions in an otherwise unremarkable and unsuspecting mental health facility in a decidedly ordinary town. There are even subplots that allow for the weak and human side of the main characters to come through.

Captain Fresquez is the unwitting victim of a frightening stratagem put in motion by the evil forces of a communist regime. Drs Cassaday and Whittaker become detectives by default through their involvement in trying to understand Fresquez' bizarre behaviors. All of this takes place in a mental institution with its own penchant for trickery and deception. Psychological thrillers are not my typical choice for relaxing reading. I usually find myself becoming increasingly annoyed and anything but relaxed because the stereotypes abound regarding the manifestations of the "psychological symptoms." But Deliver Us From Evil was the most realistic depiction of the genuine effects of trauma, the subsequent repercussions on family and the mental health experts' struggle to understand and treat these effects that I have ever read.

It was also hard to put down. In Deliver Us From Evil, Wynne has captured all the elements of a great thriller. It is at once suspenseful and taxing on the reader's emotions while allowing the story to unfold within different subplots that sweep the reader away into a world of intellect and passion. While worrying about the ultimate outcome for poor Captain Fresquez there is a constant and tantalizing distraction regarding the relationship that may or may not evolve between the psychologist and the psychiatrist. Not to mention the global implications of what is unfolding. Dr. Whittaker's humor and sincerity make him at times admired, but at other times there is the dread that he will somehow disappoint by appearing all too driven and even human.

Wynne's writing style is genuinely believable whether it is narration or dialogue. And the context of history was easy to follow and to imagine as plausible. Descriptions of military protocol, hospital politics and New Mexico suggest firsthand knowledge of the subject matter, much like Crichton or Grisham novels. Reference to actual, recent news items was an especially nice touch. The characters are variously likeable or not but they are all certainly engaging. There are also some very touching and provoking simple conversations between characters that make the reader think about similar conversations they may have had with a best friend. When a novel reaches you at that level you've got a winner.

As a behavioral psychologist I was challenged by many of the discussions and disagreements surrounding the treatment of mental illness. And I have even considered making this novel an assignment in a college graduate course addressing clinical and ethical issues. But the real pleasure of reading this book was not so academic. It was just one great page turner. The beginning captures you right away and the ending leaves you satisfied and even a little informed. I guarantee you will finish it quickly and then insist your best friend read it.

Phyllis N. Williamson, Ph.D.
Sacramento, CA
November 2002

Deliver Us From Evil by Louis Wynne, published in 2002 by 1stBooks.com
Reviewed by Dee Skinner

Take a bit of Tom Clancy, a smattering of Robert Ludlum and a heavy dose of CNN Headlines and you end up with Deliver Us From Evil by Louis Wynne. It is a book full of plot twists, layered characters and real life situations.

From his experiences in life, Dr. Wynne has taken the unthinkable and made it real. Events in the book ring with accuracy and descriptions that only one who had seen similar events could describe. The characters have a truth about them shown by the imperfections seen in all people. They feel love, hate, fear, indifference, frustration, just as the reader does following their story. There are no perfect characters, and no perfect actions, only the common responses to the uncommon situations.

As the reader continues through the book, multiple plot lines end up spinning into a vortex of love, lust and national peril, while dragging the unsuspecting reader along.

If you are looking for an intense read full of international intrigue, plot twists, medical mayhem and realistic characters that will keep you glued to your chair, this is the book for you.

Dee Skinner
March 2003