Eyes Wide Open By Andrew Gross HarperLuxe: Larger Print Edition (2011) ISBN: 978-0062064950 Genre: Thriller

Reviewed by Israel Drazin - May 23, 2011

Andrew Gross is a superb writer of mystery thrillers. His stories capture our interest, have good quick-moving plot development, suspense, and excellent characterization. This is his fifth crime novel in which he is the sole author. He also wrote five best-sellers with James Patterson.

Jay Erhlich, his protagonist, is a successful surgeon living an ideal life with his wife of twenty years and his kids. His father was mentally unstable, probably bi-polar, had charm which he misused illegally and caused self-inflicted injuries. He married and divorced several women. Jay's older half-brother, Charlie, from another wife, inherited his father's unhealthy mental disposition, is deeply disturbed, and unable to function well in society. Charlie has a son, Evan, who is as disturbed as his father and grandfather. Charlie's family is supported by disability State payments, and Jay helps out with frequent cash contributions.

Jay hears that Evan apparently committed suicide by jumping off of a high cliff. He leaves his lucrative medical practice, planning to return within a few days, and rushes to help console his brother and his brother's wife, but he uncovers puzzles that stop him from returning home. Evan had been institutionalized because of violent behavior and attempted suicide, but was negligently placed in an "open home," that he could leave at will, after just several days at the institution. When Jay tries to question the institution and the police, both seem to be covering up something. Jay discovers that a woman who Charlie knew when he belonged to a cult was just released from prison after serving for three decades. Several officials involved in her capture and imprisonment are murdered. Jay receives some help from a retired dying police officer who he must constantly push. He receives threats to drop his investigation and get out of town. Readers will be caught up in the suspense of finding out: What was Charlie's involvement with the cult? Is he guilty of any crimes? Did he help capture the recently released woman? Is the woman seeking revenge? Are the institution and the police covering up something and, if so, what is it? Was Charlie's son's death a suicide or murder? What is the significance of the wide-open eyes?

• The Blue Zone, by Andrew Gross.
  Kate Raab happy life is shattered when the FBI arrests her father for money laundering, and her family disappears into the witness protection program - without Kate. Now, Kate must unravel her father's secrets, and the darkness of his past. What she learns will change her life forever.
  
  
• The Dark Tide, by Andrew Gross.
  Karen Friedman thinks it's a mistake when two men show up asking about her dead husband's business, but millions of dollars don't disappear by accident—and all trails lead to Charles. Then detective Ty Hauck makes a discovery while investigating a suspicious hit-and-run—a clue that shockingly points to Charles.