The Things We Do

by Kay Pfaltz

Overview

Is murder ever justified? Prison psychologist Eleanor Hartley has her work cut out for her when it comes to the mute girl named Jane, arrested and convicted of two coldblooded murders.

What would make an ordinary girl murder two men then go completely silent? Eleanor uses her work to distract herself from a vicious betrayal and her own problems at home.

The Things We Do is a psychological whodunit that reveals the importance not only of what people say and do--often carefully monitored--but also of what they think and feel. The story weaves together two different narratives, one addressing the prison system, the other addressing laboratory testing on animals, for a shocking ending.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780692853542
Publisher:	Kay Pfaltz
Publication date:	07/17/2017
Pages:	510
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.14(d)

About the Author

Kay Pfaltz is a writer and bestselling author of Lauren's Story: An American Dog in Paris, Flash's Song: How One Small Dog Turned Into One Big Miracle, The Beagle, Ricochet, and The Things We Do. Kay's work has been published in English, German and French; her works have been included in anthologies. She is a contributing editor for La Joie, and writes for a wine column for Blue Ridge Life, Wine & Stein, and Cigar Life. She is also a contributor to The Echo, and has taught for Mary Baldwin, Southern Methodist, and James Madison universities. Kay is an animal activist and donates 100% of profits from her books to animal welfare organizations. She holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in English literature from Kings College, University of London. Kay lived off and on in Paris for fourteen years teaching English literature, gastronomy and wine tasting. She lives in Virginia and is co-owner of Basic Necessities in Nellysford, Virginia.

Editorial Reviews

“The Things We Do is a story written with heart that is not afraid to look at hard truths, and ultimately offers redemption through truth.” –Bernie Siegel, author Love, Medicine and Miracles

“The Things We Do is a masterfully written story that kept me turning the pages. Kay Pfaltz writes about the individual to touch the universal, and to touch our hearts with compassion for those in trouble.”

--Judy Nelson, author Choices and Love Match

“A literary thriller. Orange is the New Black meets Carol. This story has all the intrigue of a good mystery, combined with beautiful writing and the redemptive power of love.”

--C. W. Parker

From the Publisher

2017-12-07
In Pfaltz's (Flash's Song, 2015, etc.) thriller, a prison psychologist works with an inmate who refuses to speak.Dr. Eleanor Hartley, head psychologist at a women's state penitentiary in Virginia, takes on a new patient dubbed "Jane Doe" who is convicted of murdering a drug dealer and a cop. This mysterious woman provokes a series of questions—Why would she kill someone? Why won't she reveal her name? And why won't she talk? Eleanor becomes increasingly infatuated with Jane and risks both her marriage and job to save her. The psychologist's husband, Lewis, feels disconnected from his patient-obsessed wife, and Cory, Eleanor's best friend, cites this as the reason Lewis cheated. "You don't see to his needs!" says Cory. "You haven't for years!" The novel comprises three sections and opens in October 2015. As the narrative unfolds, the reader learns of Eleanor's relationship with her patients, her crumbling marriage, and Jane's mysterious silence. In addition to a detailed portrait of Eleanor, Pfaltz introduces a seemingly unrelated plotline that takes place in 2014 and is centered around Sylvie Marshall, an inquisitive volunteer at an animal shelter who suspects foul play by a cop, taking matters into her own hands to get to the truth. Ultimately, the two threads connect in the third act. Eleanor's progress with Jane fosters a fragile but growing trust and romance between the women. Pfaltz tackles intersecting and diverging subjects—prison life, mental illness, animal cruelty, etc. While engaging, the multiple weighty topics hobble the storytelling. The characters, however, are dynamic, fleshed out with compelling detail. Even minor cast members shine, like Shina Jones, a savvy inmate who tries to regain control over her life by expanding her vocabulary. Complicated and compelling, but it stumbles navigating several heavy themes.

Kirkus Reviews