I have not yet read Spencer Seidel’s well received, debut novel “Dead of Wynter” although after reading his second book “Lovesick” in one sitting it will soon be added to my queue. Author Seidel deserves a wide audience of readers who enjoy taut psychological thrillers more than themed cozy murder mysteries. His writing is clear and direct with a gripping tale full of diversionary plot twists and well defined, engaging characters that made it hard to put down.

Peaceful Portland, Maine, better known for its scenery than violent crimes, is the setting for a brutal murder. It seems to be an open-and-shut case of a love triangle gone horribly awry as police officers discover teenager Paul Ducharme cradling the body of his best friend while holding the murder weapon. His plea for help with “I think there’s something wrong with Lee,” is a memorable understated tagline that I can imagine splashed on an upcoming movie poster. Paul has a bump on his head, is confused and denies any wrongdoing yet is pegged and detained as the obvious brutal killer. To exacerbate the suspicion of guilt, Lee’s long-time girlfriend Wendy Trower whom Paul also loves has been missing for several weeks. Wendy’s mother is in a permanent prescription drug induced fog and there is something unsavory about her school teacher stepfather. Forensic psychologist Dr. Lisa Boyers is contacted by defense attorney Rudy Swaner to interview and evaluate Paul. While Paul’s mother works to prove her son’s innocence, the tale grows ever darker with secrets from Lisa’s past adding layers and depth to the novel. From the murk of a tale that grows ever more complex, the reader is drawn in to begin illuminating the truth. It’s a spellbinding story with many surprises that would be an excellent beginning of a series of novels featuring the sympathetic Lisa and insightful Rudy. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot and spoil the fun of discovery.

“Lovesick” was initially published by the independent Exeter, New Hampshire based PublishingWorks, Inc. as an ebook in late November, 2011 with a print run slated for June, 2012. The one major turnoff for me was the gruesome cover art which suggests grisly horror instead of suspense and had I not been reading the book to review it’s unlikely I would have selected it for this reason. I believe Spencer Seidel has the talent and skills necessary to become the next top selling writer.