Review of House of Giral

Mrunal Tikekar · Post by **Mrunal Tikekar** » 01 Jan 2024, 23:50

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "House of Giral" by Mark Laurence Latowsky.]

4 out of 5 stars

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Jennifer Hart has a mental breakdown on her daily jog. She is rushed to Broward Hospital where doctor Albert Young runs a unique program to treat mentally unwell patients. As soon as he sees Jennifer, Dr. Young becomes desperate to put her on his controversial psychedelics program. Jennifer struggles with nightmares about a life she might have previously lived. Was it fate that she crossed paths with Dr. Young? Why is Dr. Young so determined to treat Jennifer with psychedelics? Read the fast-paced thriller House of Giral by Mark Laurence Latowsky to find out.

The book started brilliantly. The author had successfully built a strong mystery that readers would be eager to unravel. The character development was powerful and scenes were created in a way that it was easy to imagine the characters playing out their roles. The story had a dark and morbid tone to it, effectively accentuating the mystery.

The pace of narration in the first half of the book was perfect. However, the mystery had resolved way too early and what followed was just some good guys chasing the bad guys. There was no new information coming towards the end of the book and the story seemed a bit dragged. Instead of the snappy, sharp end that the story demanded, there were long-drawn descriptions that felt boring and unimagined. It felt like the author was trying to pour all the scientific information available on psychedelics, which brought down the entertainment quotient for me.

Given my mixed feelings about the book, I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars. The book is professionally edited and there are no grammatical issues.

The book will appeal to readers who love long thriller stories. Those who love dark mysteries and do not mind reading disturbing content like drug abuse, domestic violence, rape, etc., should pick this book up. Readers should note that there is considerable profanity in the book and mentions of sexual abuse

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House of Giral
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NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 06 Jan 2024, 14:31

A plot that can be brutally violent but is suspenseful until the final part is developed in a thriller in which the psychological element is crucial. Thank you for your great review!

Brienna Cooper · Post by **Brienna Cooper** » 19 Oct 2024, 08:42

Nice review!

The pace of narration in the first half of the book was perfect. However, the mystery had resolved way too early and what followed was just some good guys chasing the bad guys. There was no new information coming towards the end of the book and the story seemed a bit dragged. Instead of the snappy, sharp end that the story demanded, there were long-drawn descriptions that felt boring and unimagined. It felt like the author was trying to pour all the scientific information available on psychedelics, which brought down the entertainment quotient for me.

I was going to say how much I wasn’t expecting the plot of this book to be what it was (I had no idea anyway, but still never would’ve guessed this). So, it is admittedly disappointing to see it has these shortcomings. Of course this doesn't make it an outright bad book, just a bit imbalanced.

tarafarah7 · Post by **tarafarah7** » 19 Oct 2024, 08:49

Today's BOTD is a medical thriller that follows Jennifer (Jo) on her quest to find her true identity by working through her traumatic past, repressed memories, and unpleasant experiences. Both engaging and thought-provoking, readers interested in psychology, as well as themes surrounding self-discovery, empowerment, and resilience will want to check this one out today! Thank you for your helpful review.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 19 Oct 2024, 09:03

Can psychedelics aid someone who has a mental illness caused by trauma? This story describes trauma, and the use of psychedelics is proposed by a doctor to treat the mental illness caused by the trauma. This psychological thriller is bound to be thought provoking as well as entertaining!

Post by **Seetha E** » 19 Oct 2024, 09:14

This is a captivating medical mystery. The initial pages quickly build the plot with gripping writing. There seems to be a connection between Jennifer and Dr. Young. Unraveling it will be fun. thanks for the informative review!

Nemanja Jankovic · Post by **Nemanja Jankovic** » 19 Oct 2024, 09:28

"House of Giral" by Mark Laurence Latowsky is a fast-paced thriller starring Jennifer Hart. During her daily jog, Jennifer experienced a mental breakdown and was placed in a hospital where she will be cared for by Dr. Young. I like the character development in the book.

Post by **Bertha Jackson** » 19 Oct 2024, 09:55

A psychological thriller mystery about a past life sounds intriguing. Thank you for your informative review.

Post by **Ajiferuke Ajibola** » 19 Oct 2024, 09:58

"House of Giral" by Mark Laurence Latowsky is a book with a 'strong mystery that readers would be eager to unravel'. This caught my attention. I'd love to know why Dr. Young decided to use psychedelics for Jennifer. Congrats on BOTD. Nice review.

Kshitija Sonawane · Post by **Kshitija Sonawane** » 19 Oct 2024, 10:10

This is a book of the thriller genre, and I love thrillers. I also like how it has medical treatments and psychedelics involved. These are the topics I enjoy. Congratulations on the BOTD, and best wishes for future projects.

Morgan Buchanan · Post by **Morgan Buchanan** » 19 Oct 2024, 10:33

I love a good psychological thriller but with the plot ending in the middle of the story could be very disappointing.

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 19 Oct 2024, 10:41

Quite a dark subject, controversial psychedelics, perfect for the thriller genre. Congrats to the author on the great character development. Dark and morbid is just the tone one expects.

Nerea · Post by **Nerea** » 19 Oct 2024, 10:42

A fast-paced crime thriller sounds exciting. I will read the book to find out the connection between Dr. Young and Jennifer. Plus, it would be great to try a crime thriller blended with some psychological features.

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 19 Oct 2024, 10:51

Never heard of the term 'psychedelics' before, so I don't really get what the controversy is all about. Guess you'll have to read the book to find out.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 19 Oct 2024, 10:54

"House of Giral" by Mark Laurence Latowsky is a gripping psychological thriller. It is about Jennifer's struggle with her past and Dr. Young’s controversial psychedelic treatments. The dark, mysterious tone, and the information on psychedelics makes it perfect for fans of deep, disturbing thrillers. Congratulations on being BOTD!