Charles Demers Boeken

In Charles Demers's darkly comic debut novel, Daniel -- an East Vancouver obsessive-compulsive -- is forced to evaluate his self-absorption against the trials and traumas of others. As he tries to submerge himself in a solitary, Karl Marx-inspired research project in the basement archives of the medical library, Daniel watches his family flounder at the centre of a free-speech fight for a children's book about a same-sex relationship--between turtles. Whether you read this book for Demers's razor-sharp prose -- he is a master of observation and a deft purveyor of contemporary vernacular -- or simply to be dazzled by one hell of a story, prepare yourself: here's a brave new voice that is both fresh and brash.

The endearing and unflappable Dr. Annick Boudreau regularly confronts a myriad of mental health issues in her psychiatric practice at the West Coast Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Clinic. But even Annick is stunned when Sanjay, a young patient who suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is arrested for the brutal murder of his roommate. While Sanjay is tortured by repeated violent thoughts, he is horrified by them and Annick is convinced that he would never enact one of them in real life. But the police and prosecutor are convinced that they have caught the perpetrator and aren't interested in looking very hard. Unable to talk to the authorities because of doctor-patient confidentiality, Annick feels compelled to investigate on her own, whatever the risks. Primary Obsessions is the first book in a series of mysteries starring Dr. Annick Boudreau and involving themes of mental health. Author (and longtime CBT patient) Charles Demers deftly reveals a particular aspect of psychiatric practice in each book, illuminating shadowy subject matter with masterful sensitivity and sharp wit. Primary Obsessions is an engrossing page-turner and a refreshing reboot of the sleuth genre.

She knew it wasn't a suicide... but can she prove it? Dr. Annick Boudreau is shaken when the Vancouver Police inform her that her patient, Danielle, has disappeared. A suicide note is proof enough for police to declare her missing, presumed dead. But to Annick, this can't be an open and shut case. Having worked with Danielle through her depression, Annick is convinced that she was getting better. Determined to find out what happened to her patient, Annick finds herself at the centre of a dark, tangled web, but can she confront the threat that's stalking her city, before the case is sealed for good? A gripping psychological mystery starring investigator Dr Annick Boudreau.