What do you think?
Rate this book
Butterfield Institute #3
The Venus Fix
As one of New York's top sex therapists, Dr. Morgan Snow sees everything from the abused to the depraved. From high-profile clients with twisted obsessions to courageous survivors, the Butterfield Institute is the sanctuary to heal battered souls.
Morgan Snow's newest patient is a powerful, influential man — secretly addicted to watching Internet Web cam pornography. He's not alone in his desires. She's also working with a group of high school teenagers equally and dangerously obsessed with these real-time fantasies.
Fantasies that are all too accessible.
Then the women start dying online, right in front of their eyes.
Now it's all about murder.
Morgan Snow's newest patient is a powerful, influential man — secretly addicted to watching Internet Web cam pornography. He's not alone in his desires. She's also working with a group of high school teenagers equally and dangerously obsessed with these real-time fantasies.
Fantasies that are all too accessible.
Then the women start dying online, right in front of their eyes.
Now it's all about murder.
416 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2006
45 people are currently reading
952 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..
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 5, 2017
One of my favorite things to read is psychological thrillers and mysteries. An author I discovered over ten years ago was M.J Rose. She was my first look into reading mysteries with a mental health/sex therapy issue. MJ Rose's main character Dr. Morgan Snow is a Sex Therapist and helps her patients through problems with escorts, pornography, and sexual deviancy. In The Venus Fix, Dr. Morgan Snow presents several patients including a high profile person who visits her under a pseudonym as he admits watching porn and is worried his wife might kill him or do something inappropriate if she finds out. In The Venus Fix, we do read a number of different storylines all connecting and interweaving with one another as someone is killing off cam-girls, and it looks like Morgan's latest intern might be next on the killer's list as while putting herself through college she worked as a cam-girl and wore only a butterfly mask hence the cover of the book. If you love reading books about psychological issues and therapy sessions, then check out The Venus Fix by MJ Rose today. The Venus Fix is also quite a quick read for those needing a touch of murder and suspense in their daily lives.
August 19, 2012
In this third Butterfield Institute psychological thriller, a serial killer is killing women who broadcast online sex shows through the use of poison in tools they use during their online shows. The killer's victims suffer a gruesome death while broadcasting their shows, and their deaths are watched by hundreds of horrified online viewers.
Dr Morgan Snow is hired to help a group of troubled teenagers at a high school with what the adults deem to be an unhealthy fascination with sex. There are secrets held by the teenagers she needs to uncover if she is to help them.
In the meantime, Dr Snow faces her own troubles at home. Her talented daughter is doing well in her first onstage performance and has been offered a part in a tv series but Dr Snow is plagued with memories of her own mother's rise and fall in the acting business. Her troubles are compounded when her ex-husband suggests they get back together again, just as she's starting to open herself to Detective Noah Jordain. Their relationship is strained when he arrests one of her patients for the web pornography murders, despite her conviction that he cannot be the serial killer.
I like the way the author brings out the seedier elements of society and then blends the multiple layers together into a solid thriller.
Dr Morgan Snow is hired to help a group of troubled teenagers at a high school with what the adults deem to be an unhealthy fascination with sex. There are secrets held by the teenagers she needs to uncover if she is to help them.
In the meantime, Dr Snow faces her own troubles at home. Her talented daughter is doing well in her first onstage performance and has been offered a part in a tv series but Dr Snow is plagued with memories of her own mother's rise and fall in the acting business. Her troubles are compounded when her ex-husband suggests they get back together again, just as she's starting to open herself to Detective Noah Jordain. Their relationship is strained when he arrests one of her patients for the web pornography murders, despite her conviction that he cannot be the serial killer.
I like the way the author brings out the seedier elements of society and then blends the multiple layers together into a solid thriller.
December 26, 2007
I quite liked this book. It was a more gripping read than the last one I read (The Death List), and far more believable. The murders were a lot less gory and there were a lot fewer of them. I think some lower quality crime writers feel they have to have fifteen murders and for them all to be really gory, but that's just not the case. I would recommend this one!
May 3, 2009
An interesting tale on a serial killer who is killing gals who perform on webcams. I grew a little wary of hearing about the Doctor's past, but that's what i get for reading all three books back to back.
June 24, 2011
This was my favorite book so far in the Butterfield Institute series. There was a good mix of mystery and character development. It was an interesting look at the world of internet porn, especially from a teenage perspective.
May 14, 2012
OK..I love me some MJ Rose books!! This one blew me away with what I have come to expect from her writing. A boat load of sexual spiciness, with an excellent mystery to boot! I didn't see the ending coming and I love when that happens because it doesn't happen that often.
September 19, 2011
Another quick beach read that kept me guessing until the last few chapters
August 8, 2020
I just started this. I wish she would write more in this series! Great trilogy!
November 16, 2012
This is a top notch thriller.
In the latest installment of the stories of Dr. Morgan snow, she is counseling two distinctly different groups who both have the same exact addiction--that of being addicting to internet pornography.
One of her patients, a high powered and very private man going by the name of 'Bob' is horribly addicted to watching web cam girls. He hates that he's addicted, hates that he's gotten caught by his wife thus straining his marriage to the breaking point but just cannot stop.
The other patient, or should I say patients, is a group of teenage boys who are also addicted to watching the same types of things as Bob: web cam girls. Included in the group are several girls from the school who are friends with the boys because the boys behavior and addictions have affected the girls as well.
Sounds like more psychoanalysis drama than thriller at this point no? It would be...if the web cam girls common to both parties didn't start to die on camera in front of their viewing public one by one.
This is one of the smarter and tightly plotted 'whodunnits' I've read in a while (yes, I know the book's been out for several years..I'm late to the party as usual!). Just when you think you know who's responsible for the killings Rose pulls the rug out from under you. It is NOT that obvious.
What helps to really up the creep factor are a series of letters penned by the villain stating their motivations and showing how pleased they are with their efforts. Rose has crafted a really excellent villain here. Disturbing and self righteous enough to make them really creepy.
I think what makes this something really special and even plausible is the examination of Morgan's group of teenage boys and girls. She's really very accurate in writing a story that's a sign of the times, specifically self esteem in teenagers..especially teenage girls. Young adults who's self esteem is so low, who only want to be liked by boys of their own age so much that they're practically willing to do ANYTHING to get that attention. It's topical and it would almost be shocking if it weren't so true. That's what makes it so riveting and disturbing.
But no Morgan Snow book would be complete without the excellent cast of characters and all their emotional baggage as well. Dulcie, Morgan, Nina, Mitch and Noah are all around for a third time here. Morgan and Noah are flawed, especially flawed. As I said in my review of the Delilah Complex, it must be especially trying for a therapist, especially a sex therapist, to just 'turn it off' when they get home. Hearing stories of degradation, fantasy, fetish, desire all day long must take its toll and that's what I love about Dr. Snow. She's an excellent therapist but she's human first. She's got her own issues to deal with and her patients get in her head badly and it's reflected in her relationship with her family and Noah Jordain.
While there are some steamy passages in this book as I'm sure you'd come to expect, none of them felt forced, unlike The Delilah Complex which seemed to try to force some hot stuff in there from time to time.
Tightly plotted, smart, topical mystery with great dialogue and wonderful characters. I don't know if she plans to put another one out but I would buy it in a second.
In the latest installment of the stories of Dr. Morgan snow, she is counseling two distinctly different groups who both have the same exact addiction--that of being addicting to internet pornography.
One of her patients, a high powered and very private man going by the name of 'Bob' is horribly addicted to watching web cam girls. He hates that he's addicted, hates that he's gotten caught by his wife thus straining his marriage to the breaking point but just cannot stop.
The other patient, or should I say patients, is a group of teenage boys who are also addicted to watching the same types of things as Bob: web cam girls. Included in the group are several girls from the school who are friends with the boys because the boys behavior and addictions have affected the girls as well.
Sounds like more psychoanalysis drama than thriller at this point no? It would be...if the web cam girls common to both parties didn't start to die on camera in front of their viewing public one by one.
This is one of the smarter and tightly plotted 'whodunnits' I've read in a while (yes, I know the book's been out for several years..I'm late to the party as usual!). Just when you think you know who's responsible for the killings Rose pulls the rug out from under you. It is NOT that obvious.
What helps to really up the creep factor are a series of letters penned by the villain stating their motivations and showing how pleased they are with their efforts. Rose has crafted a really excellent villain here. Disturbing and self righteous enough to make them really creepy.
I think what makes this something really special and even plausible is the examination of Morgan's group of teenage boys and girls. She's really very accurate in writing a story that's a sign of the times, specifically self esteem in teenagers..especially teenage girls. Young adults who's self esteem is so low, who only want to be liked by boys of their own age so much that they're practically willing to do ANYTHING to get that attention. It's topical and it would almost be shocking if it weren't so true. That's what makes it so riveting and disturbing.
But no Morgan Snow book would be complete without the excellent cast of characters and all their emotional baggage as well. Dulcie, Morgan, Nina, Mitch and Noah are all around for a third time here. Morgan and Noah are flawed, especially flawed. As I said in my review of the Delilah Complex, it must be especially trying for a therapist, especially a sex therapist, to just 'turn it off' when they get home. Hearing stories of degradation, fantasy, fetish, desire all day long must take its toll and that's what I love about Dr. Snow. She's an excellent therapist but she's human first. She's got her own issues to deal with and her patients get in her head badly and it's reflected in her relationship with her family and Noah Jordain.
While there are some steamy passages in this book as I'm sure you'd come to expect, none of them felt forced, unlike The Delilah Complex which seemed to try to force some hot stuff in there from time to time.
Tightly plotted, smart, topical mystery with great dialogue and wonderful characters. I don't know if she plans to put another one out but I would buy it in a second.
April 20, 2011
a definite suspense.
first novel i read from the author and i liked it. easy to read and the instances cited in the book is relatable.
The plot is realistic, considering the magic of internet is fullblown as it is. the killer is a very unlikely one.
although the main character is not built up as it should have, the story is nerve-wrecking.
first novel i read from the author and i liked it. easy to read and the instances cited in the book is relatable.
The plot is realistic, considering the magic of internet is fullblown as it is. the killer is a very unlikely one.
although the main character is not built up as it should have, the story is nerve-wrecking.
May 2, 2010
I advise you don't read this book in less you are comfortable with the description, cause it get's a lot more mature, and I know some people can't handle that. But other than that it's a very good book, and I loved it.
February 26, 2010
Love MJ Rose
October 1, 2024
This reading has many themes; the one that stands out the most is ‘mothers and daughters’ and how much they know of each other.
Dynamism is the relationship between these women who are therapists as they are each other’s clients; there’s Nina, Blythe, and Morgan; they counsel each other and it is this circle of friends that directs the plot through Morgan’s narration. Nina is a therapist and counsels Morgan as well as Blythe who is self-made and a survivor of abuse; she worked to put herself through graduate school at Columbia University where she is specializing in psychotherapy; she is the catalyst for all that has happened in this story but she made good of her life and her demons; unfortunately not all is known about the struggles she had to overcome.
Morgan who narrates this story has demons as well and she escapes through her sculpturing; she puts it this way: “My work is amateurish, but it is how I disappear. The sounds of the mallet drown out the patients’ voices inside my head. Carving was the only thing I’d ever found that made me forget about the people who laid the confusions and their sorrows at my feet…there was solace in being in control of the shape in a way I could control nothing else.”—Penny for your thoughts’ –Dr. Morgan Snow
We’ve also got a grieving mother named Stella; the activist who had been waging the good fight for women to be independent, raising their children alone, and working and being successful; her goal was to teach women to have self-respect, strength, courage and means; this much and more she wanted for her daughter Simone…think for a moment about the name ‘Simone’ that famed ‘Simone de Beauvoir’ (Simone de Beauvoir (1908–86) was a French existentialist writer. She is known for her treatise The Second Sex (1949)), or such women that led to men’s downfall but her name is hints of tragedy to come…or I am stretching this reading. Even her mother’s name ‘Stella’ is a hint and hindsight into the story’s plot.
---------------------
So where are we; or what do we have?
We have these four deaths and the police is trying to find out who is doing this and why; and Morgan Snow is somehow at the thick of things; because she has been interacting with some of the players without realization but when she does put all the pieces together she’s astounded by what she’s discovered. It is Morgan who phones the police and gives them her location before the final killing takes place and by the book’s end all is seemingly normal. …Morgan is grateful that at the end of the day she can sit on the side of her daughter’s bed and talk to her, as long as she would listen, as long as she took what she said in, that was all she could ask for since it was so much more than so many parents had.
-------------
This story was one of erotic nature; it is a thriller that is very bold; brazenly written. I think it is more suited for mothers’ and daughters’ reading; as the theme is aptly for them.
There’s something morose about this mother (Stella) having lost her daughter; reads a bit like that book ‘Carrie’; the mother’s despair and shame… “What did I do that you never understood what you had, who you were, how much the world was open to you? How did I look right at you and not see that?” Stella is in pain, anguish even for the loss of her only child; as she’d been preparing for her eighteenth birthday; one year since she’d been gone from her; she explains that no matter what she does there’s always this ‘gaping hole inside of me, and at the very pit of it is some feral forever-hungry animal—jaws wide open—ready to snap at every morsel thrown down. It sinks its sharp, pointed teeth into each chunk of flesh I feed it, and yet its appetite only grows. Why won’t it stop? What else do I have to do to prove that I loved you?—Stella is miserable as she’d been punishing those who wronged her daughter and plans on stopping after the last one has been punished but that does not take away her pain, her loss and her shame.—Stella can’t ever get back to before because she never knew her child.
Also, a strong woman does not necessarily make for a ‘better’ woman.
Dynamism is the relationship between these women who are therapists as they are each other’s clients; there’s Nina, Blythe, and Morgan; they counsel each other and it is this circle of friends that directs the plot through Morgan’s narration. Nina is a therapist and counsels Morgan as well as Blythe who is self-made and a survivor of abuse; she worked to put herself through graduate school at Columbia University where she is specializing in psychotherapy; she is the catalyst for all that has happened in this story but she made good of her life and her demons; unfortunately not all is known about the struggles she had to overcome.
Morgan who narrates this story has demons as well and she escapes through her sculpturing; she puts it this way: “My work is amateurish, but it is how I disappear. The sounds of the mallet drown out the patients’ voices inside my head. Carving was the only thing I’d ever found that made me forget about the people who laid the confusions and their sorrows at my feet…there was solace in being in control of the shape in a way I could control nothing else.”—Penny for your thoughts’ –Dr. Morgan Snow
We’ve also got a grieving mother named Stella; the activist who had been waging the good fight for women to be independent, raising their children alone, and working and being successful; her goal was to teach women to have self-respect, strength, courage and means; this much and more she wanted for her daughter Simone…think for a moment about the name ‘Simone’ that famed ‘Simone de Beauvoir’ (Simone de Beauvoir (1908–86) was a French existentialist writer. She is known for her treatise The Second Sex (1949)), or such women that led to men’s downfall but her name is hints of tragedy to come…or I am stretching this reading. Even her mother’s name ‘Stella’ is a hint and hindsight into the story’s plot.
---------------------
So where are we; or what do we have?
We have these four deaths and the police is trying to find out who is doing this and why; and Morgan Snow is somehow at the thick of things; because she has been interacting with some of the players without realization but when she does put all the pieces together she’s astounded by what she’s discovered. It is Morgan who phones the police and gives them her location before the final killing takes place and by the book’s end all is seemingly normal. …Morgan is grateful that at the end of the day she can sit on the side of her daughter’s bed and talk to her, as long as she would listen, as long as she took what she said in, that was all she could ask for since it was so much more than so many parents had.
-------------
This story was one of erotic nature; it is a thriller that is very bold; brazenly written. I think it is more suited for mothers’ and daughters’ reading; as the theme is aptly for them.
There’s something morose about this mother (Stella) having lost her daughter; reads a bit like that book ‘Carrie’; the mother’s despair and shame… “What did I do that you never understood what you had, who you were, how much the world was open to you? How did I look right at you and not see that?” Stella is in pain, anguish even for the loss of her only child; as she’d been preparing for her eighteenth birthday; one year since she’d been gone from her; she explains that no matter what she does there’s always this ‘gaping hole inside of me, and at the very pit of it is some feral forever-hungry animal—jaws wide open—ready to snap at every morsel thrown down. It sinks its sharp, pointed teeth into each chunk of flesh I feed it, and yet its appetite only grows. Why won’t it stop? What else do I have to do to prove that I loved you?—Stella is miserable as she’d been punishing those who wronged her daughter and plans on stopping after the last one has been punished but that does not take away her pain, her loss and her shame.—Stella can’t ever get back to before because she never knew her child.
Also, a strong woman does not necessarily make for a ‘better’ woman.
February 28, 2017
A great ending to a really captivating trilogy. I would recommend this series if you're looking for a suspense/thriller/mystery.
This particular book, we step back into the life of Morgan Snow, a sex therapist. I really like Morgan and really enjoy reading her story. In this story, she gets involved in the midst of a serial killer's investigation. This particular killer is poisoning webcam girls. The detectives, one of which I adore, Noah, are boggled as to why these women are being targeted and why they are being poisoned. Obviously, when the book ends, it all makes sense.
Great read and can't wait to read another book by this author.
This particular book, we step back into the life of Morgan Snow, a sex therapist. I really like Morgan and really enjoy reading her story. In this story, she gets involved in the midst of a serial killer's investigation. This particular killer is poisoning webcam girls. The detectives, one of which I adore, Noah, are boggled as to why these women are being targeted and why they are being poisoned. Obviously, when the book ends, it all makes sense.
Great read and can't wait to read another book by this author.
September 5, 2017
I am so sad that this is the last book in the Butterfield series! M.J. Rose's writing is sensual and superb. She evokes all your senses and effortlessly weaves psychology into the story while maintaining a perfect balance between the suspense of the criminal mystery and the pleasure of the romance.
Read
March 7, 2022Inside five different narrators' heads in 80 pages, including the creepy murderer. Lots of "as you know, fellow detective" explanations from the two police detectives as they investigate a murder. And, something that is not the book's fault, writing about Internet porn and sex work in 2006.
Basically a CSI episode. Others will like it, I'm sure, but it's not my thing.
Basically a CSI episode. Others will like it, I'm sure, but it's not my thing.
February 26, 2018
Imagine Fifty Shades of Grey combined with a murder mystery and with way, way more interesting characters and I think you get this book.
Not for children under 13 years old (minimum) - lots of sexual commentary as well as a good plotline.
Not for children under 13 years old (minimum) - lots of sexual commentary as well as a good plotline.
April 13, 2019
Poorly written, I overestimated it at first.
December 13, 2019
O carte foarte buna, te tine in suspans. Recomand. In romana : Otravurile Afroditei
March 2, 2020
Great short chapters, can be a bit racy but core to the story so not for the sake of it. Enjoyed it and love Morgans character.
March 26, 2020
Mills and Boon but murder thrown in? A bit racy sometimes but the concept was excellent and very relevant and the ending although speedy was enjoyable
July 6, 2023
Good end to the series.
January 24, 2024
Very good
I was introduced to this author via another author she co wrote with. This was a good read. I hope to see more from this author in the future.
I was introduced to this author via another author she co wrote with. This was a good read. I hope to see more from this author in the future.
March 8, 2017
Fantastic read. If someone asked me to describe it in two words, I'd use suspenseful and captivating. I really enjoyed it.
June 14, 2012
This was billed as an "erotic thriller," which put me off a bit. Years ago I read this quote-- "Sex in which you're not an active participant is either funny or boring," (wish I knew who said it) and that's pretty much how I feel about the steamy sex scenes in contemporary suspense novels. Nine times out of ten I skip over the shivering orgasm parts. I don't want to waste time reading about the hero's firm, muscular heaving chest. I just want to find out who the crazed serial killer is.
Still, I wanted to read this book. I've been hearing about MJ Rose for years--how she managed to rise above the stigma of self-publication and become successful writing spicy suspenseful novels.
This is the third in her Butterfield Institute series featuring sex therapist Dr. Morgan Snow. Yes, the idea of a crime solving sex therapist is a bit of a stretch, but Ms. Rose makes it work.
In The Venus Fix, Dr. Snow is dealing with the ravages of online pornography, with both a support group for teenagers who've all suffered in one way or another from online porn, and a private patient whose marriage is deteriorating because of his addiction to various porn sites.
And then one after another, webcam girls die hideous deaths during their online performances as the clients watch unable to help. Dr. Snow believes there is a connection between her patients and the murders of the webcam girls and of course, she's right, but Ms. Rose keeps you guessing all the way to the end as to who and why.
And as she's trying to figure out the mystery, she has to deal with 13 year old daughter Dulcie's budding acting career (the kid's got a part in a Broadway show already), and balance the line between intimacy and professional privilege with her new boyfriend Detective Noah Jourdain, who's investigating the webcam murders.
Although this is the third in the series, it could easily be a standalone book. I didn't even know there were others in the series until I downloaded The Halo Effect with Dulcie only 12 years old, and Dr. Snow newly divorced.
I read a good portion of this on the stationary bike at the gym. It was an enjoyable distraction, keeping my mind off how much I hate pedaling away and not going anywhere. Definitely a good read.
Still, I wanted to read this book. I've been hearing about MJ Rose for years--how she managed to rise above the stigma of self-publication and become successful writing spicy suspenseful novels.
This is the third in her Butterfield Institute series featuring sex therapist Dr. Morgan Snow. Yes, the idea of a crime solving sex therapist is a bit of a stretch, but Ms. Rose makes it work.
In The Venus Fix, Dr. Snow is dealing with the ravages of online pornography, with both a support group for teenagers who've all suffered in one way or another from online porn, and a private patient whose marriage is deteriorating because of his addiction to various porn sites.
And then one after another, webcam girls die hideous deaths during their online performances as the clients watch unable to help. Dr. Snow believes there is a connection between her patients and the murders of the webcam girls and of course, she's right, but Ms. Rose keeps you guessing all the way to the end as to who and why.
And as she's trying to figure out the mystery, she has to deal with 13 year old daughter Dulcie's budding acting career (the kid's got a part in a Broadway show already), and balance the line between intimacy and professional privilege with her new boyfriend Detective Noah Jourdain, who's investigating the webcam murders.
Although this is the third in the series, it could easily be a standalone book. I didn't even know there were others in the series until I downloaded The Halo Effect with Dulcie only 12 years old, and Dr. Snow newly divorced.
I read a good portion of this on the stationary bike at the gym. It was an enjoyable distraction, keeping my mind off how much I hate pedaling away and not going anywhere. Definitely a good read.
May 12, 2012
Goodreads Description- As one of New York's top sex therapists, Dr. Morgan Snow sees everything from the abused to the depraved. From high-profile clients with twisted obsessions to courageous survivors, the Butterfield Institute is the sanctuary to heal battered souls.
Morgan Snow's newest patient is a powerful, influential man -- secretly addicted to watching Internet Web cam pornography. He's not alone in his desires. She's also working with a group of high school teenagers equally and dangerously obsessed with these real-time fantasies.
Fantasies that are all too accessible.
Then the women start dying online, right in front of their eyes.
Now it's all about murder.
Dr. Morgan Snow's patient, Bob, is being treated for his severe addiction to internet porn. He insists on his privacy, doesn't use his real name, and has her office sweeped regularly for "bugs". Dr. Snow is trying to get Bob to get down to his real emotions but things start becoming difficult when the girls Bob watches online start dying. To make matters even more complicated, Morgan is dating Noah Jordain, the detective on the case of the murdered Webcam girls. As Morgan begins to put together the pieces she is learning during her sessions and Noah coming to his own conclusions, they are both put to the test. Where do they draw the line of professional ethics when somoeone's life is on the line? Can their relationship survive the secrets they must keep from each other?
This was one heck of a book for a freebie! It has everything a reader could want. An incredible plotline, a wonderful array of characters, and a thriller that has you on the edge of your seat! It also explores how the internet and easily accessible porn affects people of all ages. Does this porn "teach" teen boys that girls are just objects? Does it make teen girls feel that to get the attention of their boyfriends they need to be sexual before they are ready? It really questions the affects of pornography and who it really hurts. I definitely recommend this book, especially to mothers of teenagers. The book itself is not appropriate for young readers but a mother, while reading a great book, can also maybe learn how to guide their children when it comes to sexuality. 5 stars!
Morgan Snow's newest patient is a powerful, influential man -- secretly addicted to watching Internet Web cam pornography. He's not alone in his desires. She's also working with a group of high school teenagers equally and dangerously obsessed with these real-time fantasies.
Fantasies that are all too accessible.
Then the women start dying online, right in front of their eyes.
Now it's all about murder.
Dr. Morgan Snow's patient, Bob, is being treated for his severe addiction to internet porn. He insists on his privacy, doesn't use his real name, and has her office sweeped regularly for "bugs". Dr. Snow is trying to get Bob to get down to his real emotions but things start becoming difficult when the girls Bob watches online start dying. To make matters even more complicated, Morgan is dating Noah Jordain, the detective on the case of the murdered Webcam girls. As Morgan begins to put together the pieces she is learning during her sessions and Noah coming to his own conclusions, they are both put to the test. Where do they draw the line of professional ethics when somoeone's life is on the line? Can their relationship survive the secrets they must keep from each other?
This was one heck of a book for a freebie! It has everything a reader could want. An incredible plotline, a wonderful array of characters, and a thriller that has you on the edge of your seat! It also explores how the internet and easily accessible porn affects people of all ages. Does this porn "teach" teen boys that girls are just objects? Does it make teen girls feel that to get the attention of their boyfriends they need to be sexual before they are ready? It really questions the affects of pornography and who it really hurts. I definitely recommend this book, especially to mothers of teenagers. The book itself is not appropriate for young readers but a mother, while reading a great book, can also maybe learn how to guide their children when it comes to sexuality. 5 stars!
April 19, 2012
I am so disappointed M. J. Rose stopped writing erotic fiction, especially the Butterfield Institute series. Dr Morgan Snow herself doesn't appeal, but her clients do, and the depth of psychology is absolutely fascinating. With edgy, intriguing content, you're pretty much guaranteed a great read.
And The Venus Fix is great. First published in 2006, technology has changed since then, which may date this book. Web-cam girls die on screen, apparently poisoned, and one of Morgan's clients may be involved. More striking, however, is her case with a group of teenagers - Amanda's story is transfixing.
The foreshadowing is obvious, the symbolism/metaphors unsubtle, but the investigation is thrilling. Less so is Morgan's own personal life. Her thirteen-year-old daughter Dulcie is performing in a Broadway production, with an invitation to audition for a TV version. Morgan's mother was a child actor, and things didn't end well for her - drugs, booze, and whatnot.
Morgan's ex wants to get back with her, and she's actually considering it so that their daughter won't be tempted by Hollywood. Something like that, anyway - Morgan's logic is kind of stupid, but smart people don't like to admit to being less than intelligent.
And I just don't care about Morgan's relationship with a detective. The bloke's a Southerner, the best at his job, a fabulous cook, a talented jazz musician, impeccably mannered...where are the flaws? Because he doesn't seem realistic, it's hard to connect with him.
And you know what really sucks? Morgan and Dulcie's special bond. They aren't like ordinary mothers and daughters - even separated they can FEEL when the other is hurt. Morgan claims it's not psychic, but "inevitable". I'm more likely to believe that between twins, but what is this trying to say - that you're not the best parent or child if you don't have this "inevitable" bond? Come off it! And of course Dulcie is talented in the theatre - a fiction heroine's children rarely are ungifted, mediocre folk.
But for all my whinging, the murder investigation almost cancels out the annoying characteristics. Bring back the interesting psychology and get rid of the faff!
And The Venus Fix is great. First published in 2006, technology has changed since then, which may date this book. Web-cam girls die on screen, apparently poisoned, and one of Morgan's clients may be involved. More striking, however, is her case with a group of teenagers - Amanda's story is transfixing.
The foreshadowing is obvious, the symbolism/metaphors unsubtle, but the investigation is thrilling. Less so is Morgan's own personal life. Her thirteen-year-old daughter Dulcie is performing in a Broadway production, with an invitation to audition for a TV version. Morgan's mother was a child actor, and things didn't end well for her - drugs, booze, and whatnot.
Morgan's ex wants to get back with her, and she's actually considering it so that their daughter won't be tempted by Hollywood. Something like that, anyway - Morgan's logic is kind of stupid, but smart people don't like to admit to being less than intelligent.
And I just don't care about Morgan's relationship with a detective. The bloke's a Southerner, the best at his job, a fabulous cook, a talented jazz musician, impeccably mannered...where are the flaws? Because he doesn't seem realistic, it's hard to connect with him.
And you know what really sucks? Morgan and Dulcie's special bond. They aren't like ordinary mothers and daughters - even separated they can FEEL when the other is hurt. Morgan claims it's not psychic, but "inevitable". I'm more likely to believe that between twins, but what is this trying to say - that you're not the best parent or child if you don't have this "inevitable" bond? Come off it! And of course Dulcie is talented in the theatre - a fiction heroine's children rarely are ungifted, mediocre folk.
But for all my whinging, the murder investigation almost cancels out the annoying characteristics. Bring back the interesting psychology and get rid of the faff!
June 4, 2014
From my blog
I love seeing the dynamics of counselor and patient and trying to figure out the why and how to assist them to heal or overcome their addictions. If I was to start my career again, I would study to be a sex counselor. Morgan Snow's newest patient is a powerful, influential man who is secretly addicted to watching porn online. We know he is not the murderer but all the evidence points to him, so who is the murderer. I love how this ended, great suspense with perfect answer to the end.
She's also working with a group of high schoolers, all is confidential if the teenagers come to the sessions and try to restrain from their obsession with real life sex fantasies online. One is keeping a huge secret which is unbelievable when it is revealed and so scary when thinking about the things teenagers think about and do to get noticed, scary.
There are women online who are fulfilling sex fantasies and then they start getting sick and dying in front of thousands of viewers. The police start to get phone calls from all over the states but in the end they end up being traced to a New York company and Dr. Snow has access to the answers without realising.
She now has to decide does she keep her patients secrets as part of the counselor patient confidentiality clause or does she relate the information to her lover who happens to be the one investigating the murders. This of course also adds personal tensions between the two.
These books are labeled Erotic Psychological Thrillers but I don't consider them to be erotica, it is sex related issues. I found this trilogy to be sexy, thrilling, addicting and all with great endings. Recommended, I give the full trilogy 4 stars.
I love seeing the dynamics of counselor and patient and trying to figure out the why and how to assist them to heal or overcome their addictions. If I was to start my career again, I would study to be a sex counselor. Morgan Snow's newest patient is a powerful, influential man who is secretly addicted to watching porn online. We know he is not the murderer but all the evidence points to him, so who is the murderer. I love how this ended, great suspense with perfect answer to the end.
She's also working with a group of high schoolers, all is confidential if the teenagers come to the sessions and try to restrain from their obsession with real life sex fantasies online. One is keeping a huge secret which is unbelievable when it is revealed and so scary when thinking about the things teenagers think about and do to get noticed, scary.
There are women online who are fulfilling sex fantasies and then they start getting sick and dying in front of thousands of viewers. The police start to get phone calls from all over the states but in the end they end up being traced to a New York company and Dr. Snow has access to the answers without realising.
She now has to decide does she keep her patients secrets as part of the counselor patient confidentiality clause or does she relate the information to her lover who happens to be the one investigating the murders. This of course also adds personal tensions between the two.
These books are labeled Erotic Psychological Thrillers but I don't consider them to be erotica, it is sex related issues. I found this trilogy to be sexy, thrilling, addicting and all with great endings. Recommended, I give the full trilogy 4 stars.
January 19, 2016
I learned from this book that there is a clause in the generally understood monogamy agreement that neither party can orgasm without the other present.
It's never otherwise explained why the husbands felt the need to hide, or why the wives felt betrayed and cheated on. It seems like no coincidence that the book introduces only one perspective from camgirls: feeling ashamed in some way by it, seeing it as a poor choice due to bad self esteem or as a temporary aberration. And for some of the (all male) characters in therapy for masturbation, it didn't seem compulsive or excessive; except for one character it's never explicitly demonstrated that it's obsessive. Most issues had by everyone seemed to center on the fundamental idea that masturbating to online pornography was just innately wrong.
While any type of sexual addiction is by definition a problem, and it's fair to assume that if someone's in therapy they feel it's a problem, it occurred to me that there often seemed to be underlying assumptions the narrative was taking for granted on these topics. This lack of nuance is a little odd in a book about someone who is allegedly an expert in sexual behavior, and it's not the first time the series has displayed symptoms of conservative heteronormativity.
Anyway, tangent. Like the previous novels in the series, the plot was rather far-fetched and relied on overwhelming coincidence to pair sex therapy with murder mystery. It's such a fun twist on the amateur sleuth, though, that it's pretty easy to suspend disbelief and enjoy them. They're paced pretty well and the characters aren't badly developed.
(Also, happily, there's some indication of a potential salve to that problem if the series continues.)
It's never otherwise explained why the husbands felt the need to hide, or why the wives felt betrayed and cheated on. It seems like no coincidence that the book introduces only one perspective from camgirls: feeling ashamed in some way by it, seeing it as a poor choice due to bad self esteem or as a temporary aberration. And for some of the (all male) characters in therapy for masturbation, it didn't seem compulsive or excessive; except for one character it's never explicitly demonstrated that it's obsessive. Most issues had by everyone seemed to center on the fundamental idea that masturbating to online pornography was just innately wrong.
While any type of sexual addiction is by definition a problem, and it's fair to assume that if someone's in therapy they feel it's a problem, it occurred to me that there often seemed to be underlying assumptions the narrative was taking for granted on these topics. This lack of nuance is a little odd in a book about someone who is allegedly an expert in sexual behavior, and it's not the first time the series has displayed symptoms of conservative heteronormativity.
Anyway, tangent. Like the previous novels in the series, the plot was rather far-fetched and relied on overwhelming coincidence to pair sex therapy with murder mystery. It's such a fun twist on the amateur sleuth, though, that it's pretty easy to suspend disbelief and enjoy them. They're paced pretty well and the characters aren't badly developed.
(Also, happily, there's some indication of a potential salve to that problem if the series continues.)
July 20, 2012
I think thats it fair to say that I wouldnt have read this if I had known she was a female writer. For some reason. female crime writers just dont do it for me.
This is an OK book that has a very interesting premise and the first one that i have seen that tackles internet porn addiction in any way.
It is written with a series of letters from the killer about why she is doing what she is - killing web cam girls and then then the investigation.
It is told in the first person by a sex therapist, dealing which a bunch of teenage porn addicts. She is dating the cop who is investigating the murders and the murdered is the mother of one of the kids friends whose daughter committed suicide after a sex tape she made with a friend to try and entice the porn addicted boys was circulated around the school.
There was a red herring with a judge whose wife had a breakdown and you thought it was her committing the murders.
Utterley preposterious story but it does tackle some important themes of todays society.
The female perspective on crime always has the protaganist wanting a cuddle and being on the verge of tears, rather than going into the oxford bar for a pint and chaser.
Tempted to get others in the series, but I may well resist.
This is an OK book that has a very interesting premise and the first one that i have seen that tackles internet porn addiction in any way.
It is written with a series of letters from the killer about why she is doing what she is - killing web cam girls and then then the investigation.
It is told in the first person by a sex therapist, dealing which a bunch of teenage porn addicts. She is dating the cop who is investigating the murders and the murdered is the mother of one of the kids friends whose daughter committed suicide after a sex tape she made with a friend to try and entice the porn addicted boys was circulated around the school.
There was a red herring with a judge whose wife had a breakdown and you thought it was her committing the murders.
Utterley preposterious story but it does tackle some important themes of todays society.
The female perspective on crime always has the protaganist wanting a cuddle and being on the verge of tears, rather than going into the oxford bar for a pint and chaser.
Tempted to get others in the series, but I may well resist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews