Dr. Alan Gregory's fianceé, attorney Lauren Crowder, is thrown into a maelstrom of violence as a case of sexual harassment strikes a devastat...
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reviews
Nov 02, 2010
Jane
rated it: 
Alan Gregory and his fiance Lauren go to Salt Lake City to help Lauren's sister battle the power hungry General Authorities of the Mormon Church. This book is a testament to the need for primary research: while White's characters came to Salt Lake and Provo, it seems that the author did not. At first I was surprised because White lives in Colorado. Really, it seems like he could make it to the state next door to do some good research, but then again the constant refrain in the book was, "Th
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Dec 24, 2008
Jeanette
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I thought I'd read all of this author's books, so I was happy to discover this older one I had missed.
This is one of Stephen White's better mysteries in the Alan Gregory series. It is not at all necessary to have read any of the others in the series to enjoy this one. It stands alone very well.
This was a little more interesting and exciting than some of the others because it involves several locales: Utah, Washington D.C., Colorado, New Mexico. Also because it deals with t More...
This is one of Stephen White's better mysteries in the Alan Gregory series. It is not at all necessary to have read any of the others in the series to enjoy this one. It stands alone very well.
This was a little more interesting and exciting than some of the others because it involves several locales: Utah, Washington D.C., Colorado, New Mexico. Also because it deals with t More...
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Dec 04, 2008
Mary
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This was an interesting book. It was well researched and a decent insight into 'Mormon Culture' in Utah. It is definitely a work of fiction, and maybe I'm a little too close for comfort. I do believe that corruption and fanaticism occur in the LDS Church, but I think this was a little over-the-top. I guess that's what makes good fiction--enough fact to be believable, and the right amount of drama to make you wonder if it's true.
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Mar 06, 2008
Amber
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Very interesting....this Stephen White (Dr. Alan Gregory) book takes place in Utah as opposed to Boulder, where the majority of the series is set. A unique and fascinating look into Mormonism and the LDS. Throw in another mystery/scandal and you've got a good read.
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Sep 14, 2008
Suzan
rated it: 
Mystery mixed with the beliefs & deepest secrets of the Morman church,(you think the Catholic church is messed up, you'll be on your knees thanking God you weren't born a Mormon!!!) This started me reading White's,"Allen Gregory" series.
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Apr 08, 2010
Janice
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This is one of my favorites in the Alan Gregory series by Stephen White. In this book Alan and his friend Sam Purdy are less in the spot light, with Alan's fiance Lauren being more the major character. Lauren's siter Teresa is a stand-up comedian, and performing in Salt Lake City, and becomes embroiled in a law suite of sexual harrassment again the female clerk of a supreme court judge ( who is the first Mormon to hold a position on the high court). As Lauren begins a lengthy stay in Salt La
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Apr 23, 2010
Susan
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3 1/2 stars. I had to laugh at the beginning sentence of the novel, “Blythe Oaks ran almost every morning.” I'm afraid “Blythe Oaks” immediately made me think of a retirement village, and I had trouble shaking that image. Once I got over that, this was an enjoyable mystery. It is only the second “Alan Gregory” mystery I've read, and I was surprised that it was more about Alan's girlfriend, Lauren, than it was about Alan.
Lauren's sister, Teresa, wants to pursue a sexual harassment More...
Lauren's sister, Teresa, wants to pursue a sexual harassment More...
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Dec 09, 2011
Sarebear
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Within 30 pages the author gets very basic facts about the Mormon religion WRONG. The errors keep multiplying, with both facts and then a very apparent bias towards distorting some of the more often misunderstood things about Mormonism or it's history, as well as he perpetuates some myths or facts distorted so far as to almost be myths, as facts or widely held views by the Mormon characters and the Mormon society at large as depicted in his book.
The climax of the story was awkwardly d More...
The climax of the story was awkwardly d More...
Nov 02, 2010
Ed
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Ultimately disappointing, this attempt to feature Lauren Crowder, Alan Gregory's fiancee, often falls flat. Most of the energy in the story comes from Sam Purdy, Gregory's detective friend. The explanation of how the Mormon Church works in Utah was obviously well researched and very interesting and believable.
In this book, Teresa Crowder, Lauren's sister wishes to bring a sexual harassment suit against a well-known member of the Church, Blythe Oakes, and she wants to do it in Salt La More...
In this book, Teresa Crowder, Lauren's sister wishes to bring a sexual harassment suit against a well-known member of the Church, Blythe Oakes, and she wants to do it in Salt La More...
Apr 05, 2010
Christine
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This Alan Gregory book dragged on a little too long for me, too much of Lauren Crowder and not enough action with Alan Gregory and Sam Purdy. Some things were a little farfetched to believe. Lauren's sister as a stand up comedian?????? The Mormon Church plays a big role in this mystery. Is all that Stephen White writes about the church made up to tell a suspenseful tale? Or does he reveal some ugly truths about the practices that go on behind closed doors? Only those with a "higher aut
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May 01, 2011
Amy
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I guess I am a sucker for a series. The more of the Alan Gregory series I read, the more I want to keep reading. Higher Authority seems to indicate the author is getting better as he goes along. Easy easy read. I like to alternate between thoughtful classics and mindless reads. This book took no brain power to understand and kept me entertained.
Sep 05, 2009
Ed
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The book dealt with some issues in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I found it compelling reading for that reason but the story line was interesting and captivating as are the story lines of all White's books. I have no idea whether or not White's reading of Mormon practices is accurate but it is interesting.
Jul 26, 2011
Lauren Crowder's sister is suing a member of the LDS Church for sexual harassment. People around her start dying, this gets Lauren (and therefore Alan Gregory and Sam Purdy) involved in a fairly complicated case. The ending is quite surprising, the route there is rather dramatic.
Jan 07, 2012
Jill
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I loved the first two books in this series, however I was disappointed in this book. I had a hard time getting into the story line and many parts of it seemed to drag on. I missed not having "Alan" as the main character. I am hoping the 4th book will be better.
Nov 30, 2009
Diane
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In this book about the Mormon "higher authority," there is just too much misinformation, misunderstanding, and plain falsehood to enjoy the story. A lot of the research was correct, but the attitude obviously came those who have issues with the Church and its policies.
Oct 21, 2010
Emily
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so far this is my favorite of the series. I loved the information about the Mormon culture, and enjoied the perspective of Lauren. Good mystery, though a bit to easy to solve, would have liked a bit more twists and turns and also would have liked more of the Harley story.
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Sep 27, 2009
Pam
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Since this story focuses around the Mormon Church, Stephen White needed more of a Mormon's perspective, rather than an anti-Mormon's. He got some things right, but too much was wrong.
Nov 26, 2011
Kristin
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Great book! More of it took place in Utah rather than Boulder, and Alan Gregory wasn't in as much of the book as I liked. Still, a wonderful thriller with wonderful characters!
Jan 17, 2011
Marge
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This third book in the Alan Bradley series dealt with the Mormon culture and that was very interesting.
Mar 13, 2009
Martha
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I like this series. I was disappointed to find out the stuff he says about Utah isn't true exactly.
Sep 06, 2010
Marianne
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WOW! I learned a lot more about mormonism than I would ever have thought to ask!!
Really good book.
Really good book.
Jan 06, 2010
columbialion
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Fiction wrapped within historical accurate accounting of Mormon lunacy
Feb 01, 2012
Donna
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A murder mystery based on the hierarchy of the Mormon Church. Interesting but a little far-fetched. I will be reading more of Mr. White's books because his background investigation seems to be thorough.
Jan 16, 2011
Kent
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More than disturbing characterization/representation of the LDS Church. Not sure what to believe about all that.
White fails in attempting to paint a word picture of a mountainous archeological scene at the end. I just could not visualize it. It was a struggle to finish this one because of that.
This is far from White's best effort. He includes very little psychological motivation of his characters in this story. That's what White is all about. Disappointed.
White fails in attempting to paint a word picture of a mountainous archeological scene at the end. I just could not visualize it. It was a struggle to finish this one because of that.
This is far from White's best effort. He includes very little psychological motivation of his characters in this story. That's what White is all about. Disappointed.
Jun 19, 2011
Carrie
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I enjoyed this book. I liked that the plot took the characters to several different locations, not just CO where the other books are usually written. This book deals with radicals in the Mormon church, which may not have presented them in the most marvelous light; however, I don't think the book bashed Mormonism either. I wish White didn't have a fondness for the F-bomb, which he uses too much, but other than that, it's a good book.
Jul 18, 2008
Valerie
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We'll I've discovered a writer that I think I'm going to have a long time relationship with. I really didn't know this about myself till recently, but I love a good mystery so long as it's not gross and joy-robbing. I enjoyed this book. It took me into the bowels of mormonism and I learned some stuff I didn't know. I'm sure I'll be reading more of this guy's work.
Jul 16, 2011
Kate
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Very intriguing story, and he handled the plot line of dealing with the LDS church very respectfully. Another great one by Stephen White!
Jan 08, 2008
Susan
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I'm working my way through Stephen White's books and I haven't hit a bad one yet. This one was particularly interesting. D.A. Laurne Crowder's sister is sexually harassed by a pillar in the Morman community - a female pillar. People start to get murdered when the charges are brought to light.
