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Butterfield Institute #1
The Halo Effect
The mutilated body of a prostitute in a nun's habit, her pubic hair shaved into a cross, appears on page one of this suspense thriller, making it plain that Rose's latest (after Sheet Music) is not for the squeamish. The novel is the first in a new series featuring the Butterfield Institute, a Manhattan sex therapy clinic employing psychiatrist Dr. Morgan Snow. One of Morgan's patients, the clever and selective call girl Cleo Thane, has written a memoir full of thinly disguised portraits of her clients, powerful men with odd fantasies and fetishes. She leaves this potentially explosive manuscript with Dr. Snow and then misses several appointments, causing Morgan to suspect foul play. Yet NYPD Det. Noah Jordain and his team, diligently pursuing leads in what's become a gory, ritualistic series of prostitute murders, have no evidence that Cleo, whose clientele puts her in a class by herself, might be a victim. Noah and Morgan are drawn to each other, but when Morgan can't persuade Noah to devote more effort to the search for Cleo, she determines to go undercover and meet Cleo's principal clients herself. Ill-equipped for this masquerade, Morgan is soon in over her head and in peril. The mystery takes second place to the catalogue of sexual eccentricities, but Cleo is an engaging guide to the world of dysfunction Rose painstakingly constructs.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2004
81 people are currently reading
1624 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Rose
89 books2,290 followersNew York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.
Her most recent novel, The Last Tiara, will be published Feb 2, 2021
Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the '80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com
The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose's novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization's co-president..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
January 18, 2021
A re-read. I've forgotten much of it since reading it in 2018 however I remembered I enjoyed it a lot and have been wanting to re-read it again. I was not disappointing. It's a dark murder case yet so readable and keep you on the edge of your seat. I have the next book on hand and I don't think I'll wait long until devouring it as well!
December 4, 2013
This was a mostly enjoyable read, the first book in a thriller series, although M. J. Rose's voice is always problematic for me. In some books it grates so much that I have to stop reading, but I was able to get through this one.
The heroine/narrator spends an awful lot of time in early chapters explaining herself to the reader—and not all of it is relevant to the story. The heroine also does some rather stupid things which mostly seem to be more for the author's convenience in moving the plot along rather than a genuine outgrowth of her character and motivations. But the story starts cranking after awhile, and there's an interesting hook up between the heroine and another character. I wound up enjoying it enough to buy the next book in the series.
However, Ms. Rose clearly did not do sufficient forensic research on blood coagulation. Perhaps only a forensic nerd like myself would give a darn. If I could give this a 2.5 I would.
The heroine/narrator spends an awful lot of time in early chapters explaining herself to the reader—and not all of it is relevant to the story. The heroine also does some rather stupid things which mostly seem to be more for the author's convenience in moving the plot along rather than a genuine outgrowth of her character and motivations. But the story starts cranking after awhile, and there's an interesting hook up between the heroine and another character. I wound up enjoying it enough to buy the next book in the series.
However, Ms. Rose clearly did not do sufficient forensic research on blood coagulation. Perhaps only a forensic nerd like myself would give a darn. If I could give this a 2.5 I would.
March 29, 2012
Looking for a new pyschological thriller to get your brain juices flowing ? After reading a special written by MJ Rose called "In Session" which featured what would happen if characters like Jack Reacher (Lee Child ) and John Rain ( Barry Eisler) were to stumble upon Dr. Morgan Snow's couch , for those who don't know - Dr. Morgan Snow is a Sex Therapist and works for the Butterfield Institute, they are the best in their profession. You come to them, not the other way around. After reading In Session, I decided to give MJ Rose a go and checked out her book "The Halo Effect" from the local library and I really enjoyed it , a bit slow in places though but where she made up for the slow pace was the adventure and the details which I normally don't enjoy but it's what made The Halo Effect well enjoyable. The other part I enjoyed was the grisly murders as for me , a murder needs to be graphic -the more the better :P. In The Halo Effect, as you can guess from the title has a religious feel to it and the victims are all prostitutes. When one of Morgan Snow's patients , a high end prostitute goes missing , Morgan feels compelled to find out who dunnit and the only clues that she can think are all written in the manuscript of Cleo's memoirs , that she holds a copy of. Now Morgan must infiltrate Cleo's life to discover who's who in her memoirs and find out whether any of them are willing to kill to keep their secrets buried. Reading this made me think of the PLL Theme song "Two can keep a secret , if one of them is dead "and with Morgan newly divorced , is she looking for another man , is Detective Noah Jordain her cup of tea ?
I Look forward to reading more of the Dr. Morgan Snow books and to see what else Morgan will discover in and out of the office.
I Look forward to reading more of the Dr. Morgan Snow books and to see what else Morgan will discover in and out of the office.
June 15, 2012
I really liked this book. I was introduced to the series from a Kindle freebie and it was a great investment. I like how we see inside Morgan's thoughts and fears and learning about her background. It definitely helps the later book since I read them out of order. I also liked how it is different than most murder mysteries b/c it's not your typical "police procedural". As a psych major and teacher/counselor (at one time) I like hearing about her therapy sessions and how she is interacting with all of her patients. The author definitely did her research on psychology with the relationship between Cleo and Morgan. Although the author doesn't name the trappings of a psychologist you can see the transference and attachments Morgan is making with Cleo that are unhealthy for a therapist/client relationship and the motive for Morgon to do what she does so she doesn't cross any patient/doctor boundaries. I like the more edgy plotline and the characters. It definitely is a fresh take on your plain old murder mytery. I can't think of anything that I didn't like other than the desciptions of the setting, Central Park. I cannot stand overdone descriptions of setting because it feels like just a filler to add more pages. So really a 4.5 but I can't do that here so a 4 star it is!
September 21, 2012
3.5/5 Stars
Great read by Ms. Rose, but I have to be honest and say that I prefer her historical fiction novels more than her contemporary literature. This book had more sexual overtones/undertones and every kind of "tone" to it, so I had to adjust to that (wasn't that difficult), but I must admit that I find her Historical Fiction books to be "deeper and more soulful"
Great read by Ms. Rose, but I have to be honest and say that I prefer her historical fiction novels more than her contemporary literature. This book had more sexual overtones/undertones and every kind of "tone" to it, so I had to adjust to that (wasn't that difficult), but I must admit that I find her Historical Fiction books to be "deeper and more soulful"
March 21, 2018
Well written and different - review date 5 June 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
I was very unsure before starting this book. The synopsis looked promising, but the tagline - Erotic Psychological Thriller? Very off-putting, as i feared a writer who would be aiming for Erotic at the expense of Thriller. I'm pleased I took a chance. This is not an Erotic Psychological Thriller at all. It is a Psychological Thriller which happens to feature prostitutes and sex therapists.
So if you are expecting, or hoping for, pornography or bodice-ripping, move along, you will be disappointed. Not a single bodice is ripped, there is actually very little reference to sex, and most of what is there, is described either sensitively or biologically. Because many of the characters work with sex in one form or another does not make the story "erotic".
What we do have is well developed and human characters, a good old fashioned serial killer nut-job, and a thriller written from a different perspective - the sex therapist / shrink of a girl who's disappearance may or may not be related to the brutal killings. Enter cliched and jaded detective who forges his own path to do the right thing, and we have an interesting variation on the proven formula.
Erotic? No, not at all. Don't make a decision to read or not read this book based on that word. Decide to read it because it is a suspenseful thriller by an author who can write properly and knows how to build a plot. And hopefully because it is the beginning of a promising series. I'll let you know after I read the next one...
Format: Kindle Edition
I was very unsure before starting this book. The synopsis looked promising, but the tagline - Erotic Psychological Thriller? Very off-putting, as i feared a writer who would be aiming for Erotic at the expense of Thriller. I'm pleased I took a chance. This is not an Erotic Psychological Thriller at all. It is a Psychological Thriller which happens to feature prostitutes and sex therapists.
So if you are expecting, or hoping for, pornography or bodice-ripping, move along, you will be disappointed. Not a single bodice is ripped, there is actually very little reference to sex, and most of what is there, is described either sensitively or biologically. Because many of the characters work with sex in one form or another does not make the story "erotic".
What we do have is well developed and human characters, a good old fashioned serial killer nut-job, and a thriller written from a different perspective - the sex therapist / shrink of a girl who's disappearance may or may not be related to the brutal killings. Enter cliched and jaded detective who forges his own path to do the right thing, and we have an interesting variation on the proven formula.
Erotic? No, not at all. Don't make a decision to read or not read this book based on that word. Decide to read it because it is a suspenseful thriller by an author who can write properly and knows how to build a plot. And hopefully because it is the beginning of a promising series. I'll let you know after I read the next one...
December 7, 2011
I like The Halo Effect.
*****
The Halo Effect was the sore thumb among the Butterfield Institute series. This is the first book and Rose was just building Morgan’s story, so maybe that’s why i didn’t enjoy it as much as i would’ve? Because i love The Delilah Complex and The Venus Fix; imagine my suprise when this one fell short for me.
The serial killings were elaborate and grisly, but the killer’s motive to do the acts were rather… plain? It was too simple for me to warrant that kind ofdeviant behavior towards prostitutes. Dr. Morgan Snow is effective as a sex therapist but like most women who have successful careers, her family life was kind of in shambles. Noah Jordain sounds like a god to me, knowing he’s a cop but a great cook and musician. Not to mention he has no problems with money. Highly impossible to be true, right? Still, i like his character.
The Halo Effect is an ok read for me. Perhaps you can start this series with little expectation, because when you get to The Venus Fix (my favorite), Rose will surely satisfy your thriller/suspense cravings. It will be worth it. :)
*****
The Halo Effect was the sore thumb among the Butterfield Institute series. This is the first book and Rose was just building Morgan’s story, so maybe that’s why i didn’t enjoy it as much as i would’ve? Because i love The Delilah Complex and The Venus Fix; imagine my suprise when this one fell short for me.
The serial killings were elaborate and grisly, but the killer’s motive to do the acts were rather… plain? It was too simple for me to warrant that kind ofdeviant behavior towards prostitutes. Dr. Morgan Snow is effective as a sex therapist but like most women who have successful careers, her family life was kind of in shambles. Noah Jordain sounds like a god to me, knowing he’s a cop but a great cook and musician. Not to mention he has no problems with money. Highly impossible to be true, right? Still, i like his character.
The Halo Effect is an ok read for me. Perhaps you can start this series with little expectation, because when you get to The Venus Fix (my favorite), Rose will surely satisfy your thriller/suspense cravings. It will be worth it. :)
June 12, 2012
Morgan Snow is a professional therapist specializing in sexual issues. When her client (an expensive call girl who is writing a book about her lifestyle) disappears, it seems possible that one of her clients is involved. Also, that it may be connected to a series of ritualistic murders of prostitutes. Morgan feels her only way to help Cleo is to investigate herself because she can't legally or ethically violate her patient's confidences.
This book is interesting in many ways. The first is how it switches from Morgan's first person point-of-view to third person POV when focusing on the police investigation to actual book excerpts from the expose' in question.
Additionally, I liked both the pacing of the story and the level of insight Morgan's character showed.
I am not sure whether or not the story actually needed the romantic element in it, but that might just be because it seems an overdone theme to me.
Overall though, I really enjoyed the book
This book is interesting in many ways. The first is how it switches from Morgan's first person point-of-view to third person POV when focusing on the police investigation to actual book excerpts from the expose' in question.
Additionally, I liked both the pacing of the story and the level of insight Morgan's character showed.
I am not sure whether or not the story actually needed the romantic element in it, but that might just be because it seems an overdone theme to me.
Overall though, I really enjoyed the book
August 24, 2007
THE HALO EFFECT (Amateur Sleuth/Psychiatrist-New York City-Cont) – Okay
Rose, M.J. – 1st in series
Mira, 2004 – Trade Paperback
Psychiatrist Dr. Morgan Snow is a sex therapist. One of her clients is Cleo Thane, a very high-priced prostitute. When Cleo disappears, Detective Noah Jordain approaches Morgan for information. Someone is ritualistically murdering prostitutes. Cleo has left with Morgan the manuscript of a book she's written about her life and her clients. Due to client confidentiality, Morgan can't give Noah any information but decides to interview five of Cleo's clients herself in an attempt to find Cleo.
*** There are some very interesting characters in this book; Cleo is beautiful, smart and a survivor; Noah is a dedicated cop with a secondary life as a jazz composer and pianist; and Morgan is a leading psychiatrist in her field, a mother and a woman struggling with her own needs and barriers. But it was also the character of Morgan that caused me a lower my rating. I identified the villain very early in this book and, was Morgan as good at her profession as she was supposed to be, so would she have. Also, the interviewing of Cleo's clients not only put Morgan in the TSTL (too stupid to live) category, but felt like fill and a reason to expound on the acceptance of different sexual needs rather than crucial to the investigation. I think I'd have like this book better had Noah been the primary character and it be a police procedural with Morgan as a secondary character, than the way it was. Parts of the romance between Noah and Morgan felt extraneous and gratuitous. That's not to say the book is bad, just that it feels to me to be more a romantic suspense than a traditional mystery.
Rose, M.J. – 1st in series
Mira, 2004 – Trade Paperback
Psychiatrist Dr. Morgan Snow is a sex therapist. One of her clients is Cleo Thane, a very high-priced prostitute. When Cleo disappears, Detective Noah Jordain approaches Morgan for information. Someone is ritualistically murdering prostitutes. Cleo has left with Morgan the manuscript of a book she's written about her life and her clients. Due to client confidentiality, Morgan can't give Noah any information but decides to interview five of Cleo's clients herself in an attempt to find Cleo.
*** There are some very interesting characters in this book; Cleo is beautiful, smart and a survivor; Noah is a dedicated cop with a secondary life as a jazz composer and pianist; and Morgan is a leading psychiatrist in her field, a mother and a woman struggling with her own needs and barriers. But it was also the character of Morgan that caused me a lower my rating. I identified the villain very early in this book and, was Morgan as good at her profession as she was supposed to be, so would she have. Also, the interviewing of Cleo's clients not only put Morgan in the TSTL (too stupid to live) category, but felt like fill and a reason to expound on the acceptance of different sexual needs rather than crucial to the investigation. I think I'd have like this book better had Noah been the primary character and it be a police procedural with Morgan as a secondary character, than the way it was. Parts of the romance between Noah and Morgan felt extraneous and gratuitous. That's not to say the book is bad, just that it feels to me to be more a romantic suspense than a traditional mystery.
November 30, 2011
Dr. Morgan Snow, a psychiatrist specializing in sex therapy, is drawn into a murder investigation and search for a serial killer of prostitutes when one of her clients goes missing. Despite the good reviews I had read for this book, I was unimpressed and struggled to finish it. I thought the characters were pretty flat, disliked what I thought was merely a gratuitous romance and guessed the bad guy early on.
May 9, 2021
I felt like the main character of this book was the least convincing sex therapist, ever. The main sex scene was incredibly unsexy and the doctor went from fine with a sexless/boring marriage to being permanently hot for every guy she met. The detective was one massive walking cliche and pretty much every other character was one dimensional. The plot made pretty much zero sense and I saw who the murderer was from space. Having said all that it wasn't dreadful, it was just a bit like reading fan fiction and not the really good stuff. Readable and if you don't look too closely passable as a story but you're not going to recommend this to your friend. Not if you like them anyway. Also there were numerous typos and missing words so it needed a better editor/proof reader.
March 4, 2021
The reveal at the end was quite good but the rest was awful, and I didn't like any of the characters.
May 3, 2021
Excellent story!
Serial killer, graphic scenes, well developed characters.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Serial killer, graphic scenes, well developed characters.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
November 16, 2012
Flawed charcters always make for the most engrossing stories do they not? At least they do when they're in the hands of a skilled author..
in the world of thrillers it's easy to trod on well established ground...psycho serial killer, psychologist helping the cops to make a profile to stop the brutal killings...this has some elements of that..but with a twist..Dr. Morgan Snow is a therapist..a sex therapist at the Butterfield Institute..she spends her professional life helping people deal with their sexual issues no matter how mundane or exotic..she's heard it all..she hasn't seen it all but she's heard it all...as the book progresses she'll end up seeing more than she's likely willing to remember..
A series of religious themed murders happen in Manhattan..prostitutes...one of which happens to be a patient of Dr. Snow. When one of Morgan's more troubled clients (who happens to be a worker in and owner of a high priced brothel in the city) goes missing it can't be mere coincidence..or can it? The fact that said patient was getting ready to release a tell all book about some of her most powerful clients, Dr. Snow gets quite worried..is it the boyfriend? The fiance? One of the men mentioned in the book? Dr. Morgan bites off more than she can chew when she decides to do some sleuthing in Manhattan's sex industry to try to find out what really happened to her missing patient..
brothels..sex..prostitutes...almost sounds so...lurid..so..trashy doesn't it? Well it isn't!...I'm not a Puritan by ANY stretch of the imagination..but harlequins and erotica are very much not my bag...in fact some of my favorite series have denigrated into sex scene after sex scene to the point where there's little story and I've all but washed my hands of them..I don't mind a little sauce in my books, but I don't want that to be the soul plot point...
Being that the protagonist is a sex therapist, sex and sexuality permeates the book..but maybe not the way you'd think. In many ways it's delved into on an emotional level..and it's used as a good backdrop that SERVES the story but doesn't BECOME the story...Is there a relationship aspect? Yes..are there some steamy passages? Yes, but MJ Rains seems to know how to balance that in just enough so as to not overpower the story..if the book turned into scene after scene of marathon Olympian sex acts I would have just written the book off..but it wasn't like that at all..
I liked the character of Morgan Snow..she's strong, she's professional and has a great deal of empathy for her clients...but she's not without her issues as becomes more and more obvious as the book progresses..she's not some tough as nails 'girl power!!!' Mary Sue that gets everything done quickly and easily...she doesn't judge anybody..women or men..Physician heal thyself as the saying goes and she's just as human as anybody else...
the supporting cast is really good as well..Mitch the ex husband, Dolcie, the precious 12 year old daughter, Nina the owner of the institute, fellow Doctor and mother figure, Detective Noah, the New Orleans implant....
Very well written and engaging story..read it in a day..when the character's back story is nearly as interesting as the overall plot, well I didn't want to put it down because I had to see what breaks were made in the case as well as how Dr. Snow was going to handle the next challenge, both outside and within..
Looking forward to starting the second book in the series tomorrow!
in the world of thrillers it's easy to trod on well established ground...psycho serial killer, psychologist helping the cops to make a profile to stop the brutal killings...this has some elements of that..but with a twist..Dr. Morgan Snow is a therapist..a sex therapist at the Butterfield Institute..she spends her professional life helping people deal with their sexual issues no matter how mundane or exotic..she's heard it all..she hasn't seen it all but she's heard it all...as the book progresses she'll end up seeing more than she's likely willing to remember..
A series of religious themed murders happen in Manhattan..prostitutes...one of which happens to be a patient of Dr. Snow. When one of Morgan's more troubled clients (who happens to be a worker in and owner of a high priced brothel in the city) goes missing it can't be mere coincidence..or can it? The fact that said patient was getting ready to release a tell all book about some of her most powerful clients, Dr. Snow gets quite worried..is it the boyfriend? The fiance? One of the men mentioned in the book? Dr. Morgan bites off more than she can chew when she decides to do some sleuthing in Manhattan's sex industry to try to find out what really happened to her missing patient..
brothels..sex..prostitutes...almost sounds so...lurid..so..trashy doesn't it? Well it isn't!...I'm not a Puritan by ANY stretch of the imagination..but harlequins and erotica are very much not my bag...in fact some of my favorite series have denigrated into sex scene after sex scene to the point where there's little story and I've all but washed my hands of them..I don't mind a little sauce in my books, but I don't want that to be the soul plot point...
Being that the protagonist is a sex therapist, sex and sexuality permeates the book..but maybe not the way you'd think. In many ways it's delved into on an emotional level..and it's used as a good backdrop that SERVES the story but doesn't BECOME the story...Is there a relationship aspect? Yes..are there some steamy passages? Yes, but MJ Rains seems to know how to balance that in just enough so as to not overpower the story..if the book turned into scene after scene of marathon Olympian sex acts I would have just written the book off..but it wasn't like that at all..
I liked the character of Morgan Snow..she's strong, she's professional and has a great deal of empathy for her clients...but she's not without her issues as becomes more and more obvious as the book progresses..she's not some tough as nails 'girl power!!!' Mary Sue that gets everything done quickly and easily...she doesn't judge anybody..women or men..Physician heal thyself as the saying goes and she's just as human as anybody else...
the supporting cast is really good as well..Mitch the ex husband, Dolcie, the precious 12 year old daughter, Nina the owner of the institute, fellow Doctor and mother figure, Detective Noah, the New Orleans implant....
Very well written and engaging story..read it in a day..when the character's back story is nearly as interesting as the overall plot, well I didn't want to put it down because I had to see what breaks were made in the case as well as how Dr. Snow was going to handle the next challenge, both outside and within..
Looking forward to starting the second book in the series tomorrow!
April 15, 2013
Dr. Morgan Snow is a well-known therapist who helps patients deal with sexuality issues. One of her clients, Cleo, is a high-priced call girl who has written a book with details on some of her better-known clients that could cause trouble if this is published and these men are identified. Cleo wants to also have a relationship while working in this profession, the reason she is a patient of Dr. Snow. When Cleo misses two appointments and is determined to be missing, a riveting story of murder, deviant behavior, high-stakes police work and even a budding romance to boot evolves.
Sold as an “erotic psychological thriller”, this book delivers on all three of these themes. The “erotic” portions are excerpts from Cleo’s book, describing the fetishes of some of her clients. For those who read erotic literature and are expecting detailed, explicit sex scenes, they are not present here. They are written in a manner that will certainly arouse and make the reader sit up and take notice, but these are not graphic. That also includes the scene when Dr. Snow and the investigator in the case, Noah Jordain, end the sexual and emotional tension of their budding relationship. As with the book scenes, this is not graphic but arousing.
The “psychological” aspect is well written as Ms. Rose delves deeply into the minds of the main characters of the book – Cleo, Noah and Dr. Snow. The first two characters, while they have issues, seem to be grounded and working on these, while Dr. Snow has a LOT of issues – questioning her profession at times, a newly divorced woman with a 12 year old daughter, still living with the memory of her mother’s death, and her daughter wanting to pursue an acting career that her grandmother did and led to her early demise (at least in the mind of Dr. Snow). Because there are so many issues with the main character of Dr. Snow, in whose POV the story is told, I believe that all of these issues were a distraction from the main story – mainly what happened to Cleo and was she going to be found before it was too late?
The only one of Dr. Snow’s multiple issues that I felt was central to the story made this a great “thriller” – that she felt she might be getting too close to this particular patient. So much so that she launched her own investigation by posing as a client for Cleo’s escort service and talking to selected clients of Cleo for more information to determine if they would give clues to the whereabouts of Cleo or worse, if they would do harm to her. This went on while the police were not active in the case, save for investigator Noah Jordain, whose conversations with Dr. Snow led to a budding relationship between them.
Overall, I thought this was a good thriller/mystery. It was the type that could be figured out who did it early. Those are fine as long as the story is engaging in coming to that point, and this one is. While I believe that Dr. Snow’s character was overanalyzed, much like the good doctor did herself repeatedly through the story, this tale is interesting enough to make the reader curious so that he or she would read the next saga of the series.
Sold as an “erotic psychological thriller”, this book delivers on all three of these themes. The “erotic” portions are excerpts from Cleo’s book, describing the fetishes of some of her clients. For those who read erotic literature and are expecting detailed, explicit sex scenes, they are not present here. They are written in a manner that will certainly arouse and make the reader sit up and take notice, but these are not graphic. That also includes the scene when Dr. Snow and the investigator in the case, Noah Jordain, end the sexual and emotional tension of their budding relationship. As with the book scenes, this is not graphic but arousing.
The “psychological” aspect is well written as Ms. Rose delves deeply into the minds of the main characters of the book – Cleo, Noah and Dr. Snow. The first two characters, while they have issues, seem to be grounded and working on these, while Dr. Snow has a LOT of issues – questioning her profession at times, a newly divorced woman with a 12 year old daughter, still living with the memory of her mother’s death, and her daughter wanting to pursue an acting career that her grandmother did and led to her early demise (at least in the mind of Dr. Snow). Because there are so many issues with the main character of Dr. Snow, in whose POV the story is told, I believe that all of these issues were a distraction from the main story – mainly what happened to Cleo and was she going to be found before it was too late?
The only one of Dr. Snow’s multiple issues that I felt was central to the story made this a great “thriller” – that she felt she might be getting too close to this particular patient. So much so that she launched her own investigation by posing as a client for Cleo’s escort service and talking to selected clients of Cleo for more information to determine if they would give clues to the whereabouts of Cleo or worse, if they would do harm to her. This went on while the police were not active in the case, save for investigator Noah Jordain, whose conversations with Dr. Snow led to a budding relationship between them.
Overall, I thought this was a good thriller/mystery. It was the type that could be figured out who did it early. Those are fine as long as the story is engaging in coming to that point, and this one is. While I believe that Dr. Snow’s character was overanalyzed, much like the good doctor did herself repeatedly through the story, this tale is interesting enough to make the reader curious so that he or she would read the next saga of the series.
September 28, 2011
Typical me, I read The Delilah Complex, the second in this series, first. Fortunately, other than a little more background on Dr. Morgan Snow's (the heroine) relationship with Det. Noah Jordain (the hero), there really wasn’t a need to read them in order. And, as I found out, I enjoyed the second more.
Both are well written- 1st person from Morgan’s POV. Both have engaging side characters and a plot reminiscent of the tv show Law and Order SVU, (I love that show!). However, TDC's central theme I found edgier and, well, titillating, making it a better read, imo.
In The Halo Effect, Morgan, a sex therapist/occasional forensic psychologist ala BD Wong’s character in SVU, finds herself in the middle of a ritualistic-serial-killer-who-targets-prostitutes investigation, when one of her clients disappears. Her client, the infamous yet discreet Madam, Cleo Thane, had just started to let Morgan into her confidence when she disappeared, and Morgan suspects the tell-all book Cleo was about to publish contains the key to the disappearance. Fortunately Cleo gave her a copy of the manuscript, and though ethical reasons keep her from giving the copy to the police, Morgan uses it to conduct her own investigation. Things get more complicated for Morgan when she begins to realize that Cleo's disappearance very well could be connected to the serial killer that the police are desperate to stop.
The details from the tell-all are interesting reading, however not as erotic as one would suspect from a high class "Madam" like Cleo. But then I suppose, that is the point. Ultimately, men who procure prostitutes at that level, are looking for the thrill of a kink that’s slightly off- something that their significant others wouldn’t understand or even consider performing - more than the depth of depravity.
Still, one of Cleo’s regulars is guilty and though the author gave us plenty of specific details to figure it out early on, the fact that she made the otherwise sharp-witted Morgan obtuse enough to overlook the killer, irritated me. I realize it was for dramatic effect, after all, you can’t reveal the killer too early in a suspense thriller or the book would be over before it began, but C’mon- Morgan overlooking what was obviously before her just didn’t make sense. Huge drawback, in my opinion.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m really enjoying this series. I’m fascinated by the psychological implications of people’s sexual peccadilloes, and Rose does an excellent job of allowing Morgan to sort it out for us. I’ll be picking up the third as soon as possible.
In the end, I’m giving this one 3 out 5- For making the heroine imperceptive when it really wasn't necessary.
Both are well written- 1st person from Morgan’s POV. Both have engaging side characters and a plot reminiscent of the tv show Law and Order SVU, (I love that show!). However, TDC's central theme I found edgier and, well, titillating, making it a better read, imo.
In The Halo Effect, Morgan, a sex therapist/occasional forensic psychologist ala BD Wong’s character in SVU, finds herself in the middle of a ritualistic-serial-killer-who-targets-prostitutes investigation, when one of her clients disappears. Her client, the infamous yet discreet Madam, Cleo Thane, had just started to let Morgan into her confidence when she disappeared, and Morgan suspects the tell-all book Cleo was about to publish contains the key to the disappearance. Fortunately Cleo gave her a copy of the manuscript, and though ethical reasons keep her from giving the copy to the police, Morgan uses it to conduct her own investigation. Things get more complicated for Morgan when she begins to realize that Cleo's disappearance very well could be connected to the serial killer that the police are desperate to stop.
The details from the tell-all are interesting reading, however not as erotic as one would suspect from a high class "Madam" like Cleo. But then I suppose, that is the point. Ultimately, men who procure prostitutes at that level, are looking for the thrill of a kink that’s slightly off- something that their significant others wouldn’t understand or even consider performing - more than the depth of depravity.
Still, one of Cleo’s regulars is guilty and though the author gave us plenty of specific details to figure it out early on, the fact that she made the otherwise sharp-witted Morgan obtuse enough to overlook the killer, irritated me. I realize it was for dramatic effect, after all, you can’t reveal the killer too early in a suspense thriller or the book would be over before it began, but C’mon- Morgan overlooking what was obviously before her just didn’t make sense. Huge drawback, in my opinion.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m really enjoying this series. I’m fascinated by the psychological implications of people’s sexual peccadilloes, and Rose does an excellent job of allowing Morgan to sort it out for us. I’ll be picking up the third as soon as possible.
In the end, I’m giving this one 3 out 5- For making the heroine imperceptive when it really wasn't necessary.
June 21, 2011
The new release of M.J. Rose's Butterfield Institute series in e-format will be cause for celebration, especially once readers devour this first installment in the trilogy, THE HALO EFFECT. For years, Rose has displayed her uncanny ability to weave suspense and mystery together with complex emotional and psychological insight; and in this frightening tale of an insular sex therapist's plunge into the underworld of high-class prostitution and murder, she is at the top of her game.
Dr Morgan Snow appears to have it all: a thriving practice at New York's prestigious Butterfield Institute, a beautiful teenage daughter, and a remarkable gift for helping her patients overcome barriers to intimacy. However, behind her glamorous facade, she is a woman locked within herself; scarred by the failure of her marriage and specters of her childhood. Her favorite client, Cleo Thane, on the surface, seems as different from Morgan as any woman can be - polished, spun of platinum sheen and designer flare, she is a high-end escort who gets paid thousands of dollars a night to service a select list of affluent, powerful men. Yet both women share a secret fear; and when Cleo unexpectedly disappears, even as a serial killer terrorizes the city with a string of shocking ritualistic murders, Morgan finds herself thrust into a shadowy game of cat-and-mouse, where no one is who they appear. Add in a determined NYPD investigator with a special touch for cooking and jazz and you have an irresistible thriller as seductive as velvet on a bare shoulder and terrifying as a knife at the throat.
Eschewing the sharp punctuation and staccato freneticism of most thriller writers, Rose relies on able plotting, complex characters and a penetrating look at the ways in which we both hide and take to extremes our fantasies and fetishes, which are as much a part of her tale as Morgan Snow's race to find a depraved killer, before he strikes again. With sleek prose and striking imagery, Rose exposes the hidden desires in all of us through her heroine's determined quest to save one woman from the secret world of eroticism, power, and hunger that lurks just below New York City's gilded surface.
Dr Morgan Snow appears to have it all: a thriving practice at New York's prestigious Butterfield Institute, a beautiful teenage daughter, and a remarkable gift for helping her patients overcome barriers to intimacy. However, behind her glamorous facade, she is a woman locked within herself; scarred by the failure of her marriage and specters of her childhood. Her favorite client, Cleo Thane, on the surface, seems as different from Morgan as any woman can be - polished, spun of platinum sheen and designer flare, she is a high-end escort who gets paid thousands of dollars a night to service a select list of affluent, powerful men. Yet both women share a secret fear; and when Cleo unexpectedly disappears, even as a serial killer terrorizes the city with a string of shocking ritualistic murders, Morgan finds herself thrust into a shadowy game of cat-and-mouse, where no one is who they appear. Add in a determined NYPD investigator with a special touch for cooking and jazz and you have an irresistible thriller as seductive as velvet on a bare shoulder and terrifying as a knife at the throat.
Eschewing the sharp punctuation and staccato freneticism of most thriller writers, Rose relies on able plotting, complex characters and a penetrating look at the ways in which we both hide and take to extremes our fantasies and fetishes, which are as much a part of her tale as Morgan Snow's race to find a depraved killer, before he strikes again. With sleek prose and striking imagery, Rose exposes the hidden desires in all of us through her heroine's determined quest to save one woman from the secret world of eroticism, power, and hunger that lurks just below New York City's gilded surface.
January 21, 2016
What a GREAT book! This was a recommendation to me from a great friend of mine and I am SO pleased she told me to read this.
M.J. Rose is a phenomenal story teller. This was a great crime/action/thriller novel that at the end had me racing through the pages to find out what was going to happen next!
Morgan Snow is a sex therapist who sees many patients but one has held her attention for quite awhile and she has a special bond with. That would be Cleo. Cleo is a prostitute. But not just any prostitute. She's high class, rich even. She's beautiful. But, she has secrets. She has a darkness. She ends up getting kidnapped and Morgan tries to save her.
But, should Morgan trust the police? Should she trust the men in Cleo's lives?
Sometimes Morgan did get on my nerves. She was a little overly paranoid when it came to Noah, the detective, and not cautious enough when it came to others. My only complaint I had with this book was the predictability. I figured out WHO was the murderer/kidnapper before the book was done.
BUT I am so thrilled that this book is part of a series, can't wait to read the next and many others by M.J. Rose!
M.J. Rose is a phenomenal story teller. This was a great crime/action/thriller novel that at the end had me racing through the pages to find out what was going to happen next!
Morgan Snow is a sex therapist who sees many patients but one has held her attention for quite awhile and she has a special bond with. That would be Cleo. Cleo is a prostitute. But not just any prostitute. She's high class, rich even. She's beautiful. But, she has secrets. She has a darkness. She ends up getting kidnapped and Morgan tries to save her.
But, should Morgan trust the police? Should she trust the men in Cleo's lives?
Sometimes Morgan did get on my nerves. She was a little overly paranoid when it came to Noah, the detective, and not cautious enough when it came to others. My only complaint I had with this book was the predictability. I figured out WHO was the murderer/kidnapper before the book was done.
BUT I am so thrilled that this book is part of a series, can't wait to read the next and many others by M.J. Rose!
February 14, 2012
The Halo Effect (The Butterfield Institute) by M.J. Rose is a real surprise for me. I have been looking for a well written suspense thriller and I have finally found one. At first glimpse the book appears to be the typical serial killer type book. But the plot is not the only thing I found so intriguing about the book, as good as it is. Ms. Rose pulls the reader into the story. Her ability to make you feel, hear and see what you are reading. It is a rare ability to be able to write with an eye for details and for the reader it is literate, shocking, intelligent and just exquisitely done. This is a very gruesome murder suspense thriller but somehow Ms. Rose also tells a beautiful story, compelling us to care about the characters. Dr. Morgan Snow is a perceptive therapist and a newly divorced mother, an expert in sexuality and because she cares for her patients she must has become an amateur sleuth. http://jeans-ereading.blogspot.com/20...
April 30, 2012
I'm a sucker for psychological thrillers, especially when they are well thought out and have an intricate plot. "The Halo Effect" did not disappoint. This is the story of Dr. Morgan Snow, a sex therapist who finds herself pulled into the investigation of a serial killer and the disappearance of one of her clients. The plot lines surrounding both of these facets of the story were entertaining and had just enough twists to create intrigue while remaining realistic.
I did suspect who the killer was early on in the story, but there was still enough mystery and uncertainty that I couldn't be 100% sure until the end. The sensual aspect of the plot, plus a sexual rediscovery of sorts for the main character, add a heat factor that gives this novel an edge over your standard crime novel. Add in the amazing detail and scene description that flows throughout the book, and this could easily be a candidate for a movie along the lines of "Basic Instinct".
I did suspect who the killer was early on in the story, but there was still enough mystery and uncertainty that I couldn't be 100% sure until the end. The sensual aspect of the plot, plus a sexual rediscovery of sorts for the main character, add a heat factor that gives this novel an edge over your standard crime novel. Add in the amazing detail and scene description that flows throughout the book, and this could easily be a candidate for a movie along the lines of "Basic Instinct".
December 3, 2012
You've heard of cozy mysteries? Well, this is a titilating mystery (pun intended). The protagonist of this series is a psychiatrist specializing in sex therapy. At times, it crosses over to the eroticism genre.
The protagonist was annoyingly stupid for someone who is supposed to be a brilliant therapist. She had more emotional issues than her clients and there were times, she needed a good shaking.
Flaws aside, it was a page turner and I was invested enough to learn the outcome of the mystery.
The protagonist was annoyingly stupid for someone who is supposed to be a brilliant therapist. She had more emotional issues than her clients and there were times, she needed a good shaking.
Flaws aside, it was a page turner and I was invested enough to learn the outcome of the mystery.
August 31, 2017
Everything about this story was a slow seduction. It's sexy, steamy and suspenseful - the best "erotic thriller" I've read so far. The vignettes on the clients from Cleo's book are poignant and unforgettable. Rose surely knows how to seduce her reader.
August 25, 2019
When a high priced prostitute in New York City discovers she is unable to relate physically to the man she intends to marry, she turns to a leading sex therapist, Dr. Morgan Snow. The prostitute, Cleo Thane, reveals herself to be very successful, wealthy and sensitive. Dr. Snow, demonstrating many of the same attributes, quickly forms a connection to the other woman.
Over several therapy sessions Cleo reveals she is writing a tell-all novel. Shortly after
this revelation, Cleo disappears. At about the same time New York detective Noah Jordain begins to suspect he is chasing a demented sociopath who is killing prostitutes across the city. Because of her previous work with the police Jordain knows of Dr. Snow and he consults her. By now Snow is becoming increasingly concerned because Thane has missed a number of appointments, unusual behavior for her. Snow begins to believe the manuscript may be the cause of Thane’s disappearance.
With nothing to go on other than Cleo’s missing some sessions, police are unwilling to connect her disappearance to the murders of the prostitutes. Snow, under pressure from Thane’s fiancée, decides to search for Cleo herself. Meanwhile, Snow has to deal with family conflicts as well.
THE HALO EFFECT is enthralling, horrific, explicit and it certainly holds a reader’s attention. The novel contains several chilling scenes, enough to satisfy any thriller fan. It has been called an erotic novel. I didn’t find it so; although it is considerably more explicit than most novels of this type. If a large portion of the novel, perhaps too much, is devoted to some whiny child-raising problems, that may be a matter of personal taste. There are other problems which disappoint.
Some of the grammatical errors may be attributable to a Canadian editor, but subject/verb disagreements shouldn’t be. There are also some events relating to blood flow which are incorrect. They contribute to the powerful punch of certain scenes; however, in my view, they should have been corrected.
Nevertheless I found the characters interesting, consistent, and well worth following. The novel moves across multiple layers of New York society that I found intriguing. The author evokes New York City as she needs to and, given the subject matter, never descends into pandering or pruriency. This is not a novel that everyone will enjoy but it is a crime novel that belongs on many shelves and will likely provoke several lively discussions.
Over several therapy sessions Cleo reveals she is writing a tell-all novel. Shortly after
this revelation, Cleo disappears. At about the same time New York detective Noah Jordain begins to suspect he is chasing a demented sociopath who is killing prostitutes across the city. Because of her previous work with the police Jordain knows of Dr. Snow and he consults her. By now Snow is becoming increasingly concerned because Thane has missed a number of appointments, unusual behavior for her. Snow begins to believe the manuscript may be the cause of Thane’s disappearance.
With nothing to go on other than Cleo’s missing some sessions, police are unwilling to connect her disappearance to the murders of the prostitutes. Snow, under pressure from Thane’s fiancée, decides to search for Cleo herself. Meanwhile, Snow has to deal with family conflicts as well.
THE HALO EFFECT is enthralling, horrific, explicit and it certainly holds a reader’s attention. The novel contains several chilling scenes, enough to satisfy any thriller fan. It has been called an erotic novel. I didn’t find it so; although it is considerably more explicit than most novels of this type. If a large portion of the novel, perhaps too much, is devoted to some whiny child-raising problems, that may be a matter of personal taste. There are other problems which disappoint.
Some of the grammatical errors may be attributable to a Canadian editor, but subject/verb disagreements shouldn’t be. There are also some events relating to blood flow which are incorrect. They contribute to the powerful punch of certain scenes; however, in my view, they should have been corrected.
Nevertheless I found the characters interesting, consistent, and well worth following. The novel moves across multiple layers of New York society that I found intriguing. The author evokes New York City as she needs to and, given the subject matter, never descends into pandering or pruriency. This is not a novel that everyone will enjoy but it is a crime novel that belongs on many shelves and will likely provoke several lively discussions.
May 17, 2020
My first introduction to Morgan Snow, sex therapist, but it isn’t likely to be my last.
Morgan Snow is a good sex therapist, dedicated to her clients, considered by her colleagues to be excellent at separating and compartmentalising herself away from her patients feelings. However this is not strictly the case as we find her own neurosis are quite linked to her clients as well as her history as her relationships develop through the book. There were times when her therapists speak irked me, but then maybe that’s something I should see a therapist about 😝. Saying that it made her character seem more realistic as therapist speak, like management speak can often irk me.
Noah Jordain is a really interesting character and one I can see many women falling for. He cooks, he plays jazz piano, he listens and has great taste in furnishings, what’s not to love 😉
I wouldn’t say the ending was a huge shocker, but it wasn’t one of those that’s signposted so early that you wonder why you’re reading the book. It was early enough that you could feel superior for getting there before either Morgan or the police, but late enough to keep you guessing for most of the book.
I feel like I know plenty of people like Nina, so for me her feelings towards the police were those I’ve seen in others. Dulcie seemed like a pretty typical well adjusted teenager (if there are really any of those out there).
I really liked the fact that sex workers were not talked about in a derogatory fashion in this book. Some of the different aspects being explored were done in such a way that it showed the authors respect for those in the industry. This makes such a pleasant change.
I really enjoyed this book and will read more Morgan Snow books. I just hope Noah is in them too.
Morgan Snow is a good sex therapist, dedicated to her clients, considered by her colleagues to be excellent at separating and compartmentalising herself away from her patients feelings. However this is not strictly the case as we find her own neurosis are quite linked to her clients as well as her history as her relationships develop through the book. There were times when her therapists speak irked me, but then maybe that’s something I should see a therapist about 😝. Saying that it made her character seem more realistic as therapist speak, like management speak can often irk me.
Noah Jordain is a really interesting character and one I can see many women falling for. He cooks, he plays jazz piano, he listens and has great taste in furnishings, what’s not to love 😉
I wouldn’t say the ending was a huge shocker, but it wasn’t one of those that’s signposted so early that you wonder why you’re reading the book. It was early enough that you could feel superior for getting there before either Morgan or the police, but late enough to keep you guessing for most of the book.
I feel like I know plenty of people like Nina, so for me her feelings towards the police were those I’ve seen in others. Dulcie seemed like a pretty typical well adjusted teenager (if there are really any of those out there).
I really liked the fact that sex workers were not talked about in a derogatory fashion in this book. Some of the different aspects being explored were done in such a way that it showed the authors respect for those in the industry. This makes such a pleasant change.
I really enjoyed this book and will read more Morgan Snow books. I just hope Noah is in them too.
August 19, 2018
This was a good read, however I must scratch my head when a killer uses a cross, say... in a Hollywood thumbs down way. We read/watch it nonetheless. Even though Catholic themes were portrayed in a not so “halo” light, the author cleaned up the stereotypes at the end. However, and not surprisingly, the damage was already imprinted into the readers psyche by then. Nevertheless, I guessed the animus would have been a freakish religious dude as soon as the cross came into the scene.
One of my main motivations as a writer is to be an opposing force against this tide. When I see in our popular culture, be it in film or books, the common thread of objectifying believers and the church in a negative fashion, I’m happy to be part of a new current that gives a positive light on the clergy and her faith-filled believers who aren’t opioid induced individuals, prudes, or freakish killers.
One of my main motivations as a writer is to be an opposing force against this tide. When I see in our popular culture, be it in film or books, the common thread of objectifying believers and the church in a negative fashion, I’m happy to be part of a new current that gives a positive light on the clergy and her faith-filled believers who aren’t opioid induced individuals, prudes, or freakish killers.
July 2, 2023
I read book 2 and liked that, so have tracked down the other two books in the series, of which this is the first one.
As with book 2, the romance scenes were what worked least for me. I found them faintly ridiculous, and, again, quite Harlequin in style.
However, our protagonist Morgan’s work as a sex therapist is intriguing and I liked reading about Cleo, so it was easy to care when she disappeared. The murder stuff with the poor young prostitutes was also chilling and made for an interesting thriller. I kind of did guess the culprit, but I went in circles on that a few times, so i’d say it wasn’t completely obvious.
Going to move straight onto book 3 next since I have it and am enjoying the series so much.
As with book 2, the romance scenes were what worked least for me. I found them faintly ridiculous, and, again, quite Harlequin in style.
However, our protagonist Morgan’s work as a sex therapist is intriguing and I liked reading about Cleo, so it was easy to care when she disappeared. The murder stuff with the poor young prostitutes was also chilling and made for an interesting thriller. I kind of did guess the culprit, but I went in circles on that a few times, so i’d say it wasn’t completely obvious.
Going to move straight onto book 3 next since I have it and am enjoying the series so much.
December 5, 2017
A good gripping thriller featuring a strong female lead in Dr Morgan Snow.
Women are being killed with ritualistic precision & one of Morgan's patients, Cleo Thane, could be next on the list. But Cleo has already vanished, leaving Morgan a copy of her yet to be published diary of her life as a high priced call girl & Morgan is sure that the diary holds the key to the killers identity. (Which is fairly easy to work out!) As Morgan hastens to find Cleo, she still manages to find time to have a fling with hunky detective Noah Jordain....I like this pairing & hope to come across them in further books.
Women are being killed with ritualistic precision & one of Morgan's patients, Cleo Thane, could be next on the list. But Cleo has already vanished, leaving Morgan a copy of her yet to be published diary of her life as a high priced call girl & Morgan is sure that the diary holds the key to the killers identity. (Which is fairly easy to work out!) As Morgan hastens to find Cleo, she still manages to find time to have a fling with hunky detective Noah Jordain....I like this pairing & hope to come across them in further books.
May 18, 2019
I didn't want to lke this book.
As a former Catholic school girl (kindergarten through 8th grade) , who now doubts most of the things I was taught more than 5 decades ago, it was still disturbing and difficult to read of holy objects and rites being used in a twisted way. However, I managed to get past that and was rewarded by learning the story came to a very satisfactory conclusion.
As a former Catholic school girl (kindergarten through 8th grade) , who now doubts most of the things I was taught more than 5 decades ago, it was still disturbing and difficult to read of holy objects and rites being used in a twisted way. However, I managed to get past that and was rewarded by learning the story came to a very satisfactory conclusion.
August 23, 2017
The storyline was different and compelling. I found the characters had depth and engaged me, a key factor in enjoyment of a novel. I was consistently interested in finding out what happened next. Not bored at any point. Several nuanced layers of storylines. Tightly written. Definitely made me interested in her other works.
May 4, 2021
Not my cup of tea. I kept getting pulled out of the story by all her introspection...it got quite tedious. And I figured it out was too early so I kept thinking that these characters were stupid if they couldn't see the same clues that I did. I don't like it when an author creates stupid characters, or makes them seem that way.
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