Always Watching: A Novel Paperback – May 6, 2014

When psychiatrist Nadine Lavoie begins working with a new patient at the hospital, something suddenly tugs at her memories. As Heather describes the center where she was living for awhile, and mentions the name of the leader, Aaron Quinn, Nadine is catapulted back to a time in her own past when she lived in a commune run by the same man.In flashbacks, we learn more about Nadine's childhood and the experiences that have left their mark.But it is not until a tragic event involving Heather, that Nadine actively begins trying to remember what might have happened to her as a child. And what might be happening to others.Meanwhile, Nadine's daughter Lisa is living on the streets, using drugs, and resisting any and all efforts for help. Something about the extreme rage coming from her daughter whenever she sees her is like a twist of the knife, but also something more.Why is Nadine unable to help her own daughter? What events have disrupted Nadine's life to the extent that she now suffers from claustrophobia and panic attacks? And what might be beneath the surface and causing Lisa to lash out at everyone?Not a typical mystery,  Always Watching  is the story of one woman's journey toward uncovering the secrets of her past and finding a way to reconnect with her daughter. As in "physician heal thyself," Nadine is trying to do just that.From the streets of Victoria to Shawnigan, the small town where the old commune existed, Nadine searches for answers...and for witnesses. Will she find them before Aaron gets his clutches into her own vulnerable daughter?While the suspense is of a different kind, I found it captivating. As a retired social worker, I could relate to the "helper" who encounters victims that are unwilling or unable to report what is happening to them. I also connect with how one's own problems add to one's ability to empathize, but sometimes intrude on the actual helping.Another unique feature to this story: the psychiatrist who is the central character in this book was a secondary one in the previous two books by this author:  Still Missing  and  Never Knowing .The settings and characters were beautifully drawn and shown to the reader in a way that brought me into the time and place of the story. Because the pace was slow, with secrets revealed gradually throughout most of the story, I was pleasantly surprised when the pace quickened, with the last few chapters intensely leading to the final denouement. While I was leaning toward four stars, I am now awarding this one 4.5 stars. This is a book for those who enjoy stories about secrets, family dynamics, and family dysfunction.

This book was exhausting in its complexity of characters. The good writing compelled me to stay with it to the end to discover some interesting surprises at the end.Dr. Nadine Lavoie is a psychiatrist wallowing in guilt. She has guilt feelings about daughter Lisa, who is living on the street somewhere. She feels guilty about her druggie mom who she could not help. She feels guilt about the death of Heather, one of her patients. This is a lot of guilt for a psychiatrist. A lot of the guilt involves repressed memories of child sexual abuse.Not to be left out, psychiatrist brother Robbie feels guilty for neglecting his sister (before she was a psychiatrist). Mary feels guilty about her earlier life in a cult commune. Aaron, a cult leader feels guilty, but that is OK, because he is guilty (not a spoiler). Daniel feels guilty about dead wife and former psychiatric patient Heather.Around page 311 there is a fire at a cult center where lots of innocent people die, but few guilty ones. I have a feeling I may have reached a conclusion. But no, we have 26 more pages to discover the various ways the surviving guilt ridden people attempt to resolve their guilt.I can't recall a character that was not constantly wallowing in guilt. There may have been a few of Nadine's patients that were not, but they were institutionalized with other problems. I found it difficult to believe that with all the guilt Nadine exhibited she could ethically fulfill the demands of her profession regarding patients.The preponderant theme of pervasive guilt made this a slow moving story.

My book arrived promptly and was in great condition. Competitive prices.

Chevy Stevens is undoubtedly an incredibly talented author, which is why I'm judging this book by more exacting standards. For a book about a cult, this just fell a little flat for me. This whole story just felt like something was missing. I didn't buy Dr. Nadine Lavoie's relationships in general -with her brother Brother, with her daughter Lisa, or even her budding romance. All of the relationships in this story felt lackluster, even though there was plenty of drama. All-in-all I was looking for a page-turner that felt a bit more exciting, like we've seen in some of Chevy's other work.

Love the way she writes. Have enjoyed all her books so far.

The author's books are well written and hold your attention through the whole book. I would recommend this author to anyone.

I started with Chevy Steven's first book Still Missing and couldn't put it down. I turn moved on to Never Knowing. If you've read this books, you're in for a treat because you already know about the psychologist Nadine. If not, it's still a great read because she makes it so you don't have to read them in order. I have to admit I wasn't expecting the style of writing because it is completely different than Chevy Steven's other books. But I absolutely loved it. It was a page turner and thriller for sure. I gave this 4 stars only because I felt it was a little repetitive and slow at times. But the plot and characters had me on my toes. It was a constant surprise to see my predictions proven wrong and/or right. I would recommend this to any one who loves a good thriller but also likes a little bit of emotion with it. I'll admit there were times I felt for the characters from sad all the way to happy. Great read.

I did not enjoy this book as with previous by this author so find it hard to give a review, but other readers may have a different opinion.

Another fantastic, gripping book by Chevy Stevens. Loved all the characters. The story was so tense and couldn't wait to get to the end, yet didn't want to finish it! Fantastic book!

I was a little disappointed with this book, but having said that it is only because of Chevy Stevens previous 2 books have been absolutely brilliant. Out of the three she has written so far, this one is definitely the weakest but it was still a very good read and a must for Chevy fans.

I am currently working my way through all Chevy Stevens books. They are well written and always have an unexpected twist. Once I start one I can't seem to put it down. She has some real edge of your seat moments in them too.

Chevy Stevens delivers again. Ever since I read Still Missing I have been hooked on Chevy's books. Always Watching s another of her books that connect you with the characters and leave you gripped on the edge of your seat throughout.