THE GOOD FATHER

There may be no more difficult task for a parent than recognizing when a child has become unstable. Yet that is the challenge Dr. Paul Allen faces in THE GOOD FATHER, Hawley’s psychological novel about a physician’s efforts to understand his son, who is suspected of shooting a presidential candidate. The story, told from the points of view of both father and son, is interesting but seems unfocused at key moments. Because the plot stalls unexpectedly, narrators Bruce Turk, Arthur Morey, and Ryan Gesell must come to the rescue. Listeners who enjoy psychology will appreciate the performances, especially that of Morey, who is most effective as Dr. Allen questions his own actions. For those seeking a page-turning thriller, this is not the optimum choice. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2012]