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In Session: Dr. Morgan Snow with Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone, Lee Child’s Jack Reacher & Barry Eisler’s John Rain
In Session, from international best seller M.J. Rose, features the return of Dr. Morgan Snow, in a brand-new story collection!
As a therapist specializing in sexual issues, psychiatrist Dr. Morgan Snow isn't easily shocked or shaken, as readers and listeners of the popular "Butterfield Institute" novels know. There are times, however, when the need for her services leads her out of the office... and into unfamiliar worlds.
In these stories, the therapist matches her wits - and her training - against three men of mystery: Jack Reacher, John Rain, and Cotton Malone. These characters are, of course, familiar to listeners as the creations, respectively, of New York Times best-selling authors Lee Child, Barry Eisler, and Steve Berry. All three swore that their characters would never agree to therapy - unless Rose found a way to get them there. And she did.
In "Extenuating Circumstances" with Steve Berry's Cotton Malone, a woman seeks help for her lover, and sends Dr. Snow overseas on a most unusual house call.
In "Decisions, Decisions", Barry Eisler's John Rain forces Dr. Snow out of her own comfort zone, and into the world of a former patient's worst nightmare.
And in "Knowing You're Alive", with Lee Child's Jack Reacher, there are revelations for both the injured Dr. Snow and her unexpected savior/patient.
Note that this book uses the actual narrators from each character's respective series (Phil Gigante/Natalie Ross: Dr. Morgan Snow; Scott Brick: Cotton Malone; Barry Eisler: John Rain; Dick Hill Jack Reacher).
All the proceeds of the audiobook and a share of the proceeds of the ebook will be donated to David Baldacci's Wish You Well Foundation, supporting family literacy. (wishyouwellfoundation.org/)
These characters are the creations, respectively, of New York Times best-selling authors Lee Child, Barry Eisler, and Steve Berry, and are used with their full knowledge and participation.
BONUS AUDIO: Audible interviews author M.J. Rose.
As a therapist specializing in sexual issues, psychiatrist Dr. Morgan Snow isn't easily shocked or shaken, as readers and listeners of the popular "Butterfield Institute" novels know. There are times, however, when the need for her services leads her out of the office... and into unfamiliar worlds.
In these stories, the therapist matches her wits - and her training - against three men of mystery: Jack Reacher, John Rain, and Cotton Malone. These characters are, of course, familiar to listeners as the creations, respectively, of New York Times best-selling authors Lee Child, Barry Eisler, and Steve Berry. All three swore that their characters would never agree to therapy - unless Rose found a way to get them there. And she did.
In "Extenuating Circumstances" with Steve Berry's Cotton Malone, a woman seeks help for her lover, and sends Dr. Snow overseas on a most unusual house call.
In "Decisions, Decisions", Barry Eisler's John Rain forces Dr. Snow out of her own comfort zone, and into the world of a former patient's worst nightmare.
And in "Knowing You're Alive", with Lee Child's Jack Reacher, there are revelations for both the injured Dr. Snow and her unexpected savior/patient.
Note that this book uses the actual narrators from each character's respective series (Phil Gigante/Natalie Ross: Dr. Morgan Snow; Scott Brick: Cotton Malone; Barry Eisler: John Rain; Dick Hill Jack Reacher).
All the proceeds of the audiobook and a share of the proceeds of the ebook will be donated to David Baldacci's Wish You Well Foundation, supporting family literacy. (wishyouwellfoundation.org/)
These characters are the creations, respectively, of New York Times best-selling authors Lee Child, Barry Eisler, and Steve Berry, and are used with their full knowledge and participation.
BONUS AUDIO: Audible interviews author M.J. Rose.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2011
18 people are currently reading
407 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 89 reviews
May 13, 2013
I thought this was great. The Audiobook turned out well. It's short, it's funny, fun, in the way that books are fun and, the interview with M.J. Rose at the end was actually very enlightening.
Besides... doesn't everyone want Jack Reacher, Rain and Cotton Malone on the analyzing couch?
And as if getting Dr. Snow pinned under the couch in her office wasn't a metaphor for something about her?
Really fun, and interesting read... short. and the audiobook performance was outstanding.
The interview at the end tells us that there was some colusion and some interesting experiments in writing that were more like online roleplaying...not that the authors involved would see it that way... (or like that I did).
The story invloves interlocking, interdependent short stories written help, or the blessing of the authors themselves. It's kind of like the action/adventure reader's digest version of "Thieves' World." The audiobook is especially interesting since they hired the same narrators that provide the audioreading voice for each character. That way if you follow Cotton Malone on Audio, you will recognize his voice. It's more of a performance than it is an audiobook.
It's good fun, interesting, if racy concept. Nothing that anyone should be concerned about as far as warnings wise, however, Dr. Snow isn't exactly an ear, eyes, nose, and throat MD here she's a sex therapist. I recommend it and found it a good fun read.
Besides... doesn't everyone want Jack Reacher, Rain and Cotton Malone on the analyzing couch?
And as if getting Dr. Snow pinned under the couch in her office wasn't a metaphor for something about her?
Really fun, and interesting read... short. and the audiobook performance was outstanding.
The interview at the end tells us that there was some colusion and some interesting experiments in writing that were more like online roleplaying...not that the authors involved would see it that way... (or like that I did).
The story invloves interlocking, interdependent short stories written help, or the blessing of the authors themselves. It's kind of like the action/adventure reader's digest version of "Thieves' World." The audiobook is especially interesting since they hired the same narrators that provide the audioreading voice for each character. That way if you follow Cotton Malone on Audio, you will recognize his voice. It's more of a performance than it is an audiobook.
It's good fun, interesting, if racy concept. Nothing that anyone should be concerned about as far as warnings wise, however, Dr. Snow isn't exactly an ear, eyes, nose, and throat MD here she's a sex therapist. I recommend it and found it a good fun read.
September 11, 2023
As a fan of all three characters co-opted for this little collection, I cannot understand what possessed Berry, Eisler, and Child to go along with it. I can only guess that Ms. Rose is a delightful person in real life. Her character, though, Dr. Snow, is both insufferable and wildly unethical.
The narrators do their best with the material and all three are enjoyable to listen to, but the plots of these "stories" are basically just big 'ol nothing-burgers.
I love the idea of cross-overs, adore catching glimpses of one favorite author's characters in another favorite's work. I'm definitely not the audience for this one, though and I can't imagine there's much overlap between the audience for Rose's work and that of her victims, I mean collaborators, here.
The narrators do their best with the material and all three are enjoyable to listen to, but the plots of these "stories" are basically just big 'ol nothing-burgers.
I love the idea of cross-overs, adore catching glimpses of one favorite author's characters in another favorite's work. I'm definitely not the audience for this one, though and I can't imagine there's much overlap between the audience for Rose's work and that of her victims, I mean collaborators, here.
June 16, 2012
This is a short book but a delightful read. M.J. Rose has taken three heroes from popular thriller series and brought them face to face with Dr. Morgan Snow, the sex therapist from Rose’s Butterfield Institute books.
Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone, Barry Eisler’s John Rein and Lee Child’s Jack Reacher are all ultimate tough guys who wouldn’t dream about talking to a therapist about their (sexual) relationships. In these three stories though, Morgan Snow manages to get them to open up in ways that readers of the original books will find both intriguing and believable.
In the first story, “Extenuating Circumstances” Dr. Morgan Snow finds herself in Denmark visiting Cotton Malone in his second hand bookstore after Malone’s partner tells her that he might have problems stemming from his childhood which are now affecting their relationship. Because Malone is not the sort of man who would voluntarily talk to a sex therapist, the doctor has to find a different way to get him to open up.
“Decisions, Decisions” finds Dr. Snow having to make a very difficult one herself when her daughter’s safety is threatened by a man with political ambitions as well as sexual preferences he wants to keep secret. Not knowing what to do and deeply worried she turns to John Rein, an assassin for help. The solution he provides is not one she ever suggested or approved but one she can live with.
In “Knowing You’re Alive” Jack Reacher is following a man. When he enters the Butterfield institute Reacher is forced to stay outside. An hour later a bomb goes off inside the building and when Reacher climbs in he finds Dr. Morgan Snow with a broken foot and buried underneath rubble. To pass the time until help arrives and to distract Morgan from the pain, Reacher tells her a story about an army cop who has a, for him, very unusual sexual encounter with a woman in a secluded cabin.
I had enormous fun with these stories. I did in the past read one of the Cotton Malone titles by Steve Berry and am in the process of slowly but steadily reading my way through the Jack Reacher series. I haven’t read any of Eisler’s books yet though.
Because my familiarity with two of the male characters in these stories is therefore sketchy at best I’m not sure if I’m the right person to judge how well Rose captured them in her stories. Jack Reacher, the only character I do feel I’m somewhat familiar with, does sound completely in character to me though and I enjoyed the story she had him share with the doctor. Since the acknowledgements indicate that all three authors either approved of the stories or cooperated with Rose in the writing of them, I have to assume that she must have gotten it right in their eyes. And if the original authors can’t find fault, that is definitely good enough for me.
I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy M.J. Rose’s writing, it’s been that long since I last read a book by her. Now that my memory has been refreshed I want to make sure that it won’t be such a long time before I read something else by her. I also can’t help hoping that she will revisit Dr. Morgan Snow again in the not too distant future. I’ve read all the available titles in that series and wouldn’t mind a new one to add to the collection.
Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone, Barry Eisler’s John Rein and Lee Child’s Jack Reacher are all ultimate tough guys who wouldn’t dream about talking to a therapist about their (sexual) relationships. In these three stories though, Morgan Snow manages to get them to open up in ways that readers of the original books will find both intriguing and believable.
In the first story, “Extenuating Circumstances” Dr. Morgan Snow finds herself in Denmark visiting Cotton Malone in his second hand bookstore after Malone’s partner tells her that he might have problems stemming from his childhood which are now affecting their relationship. Because Malone is not the sort of man who would voluntarily talk to a sex therapist, the doctor has to find a different way to get him to open up.
“Decisions, Decisions” finds Dr. Snow having to make a very difficult one herself when her daughter’s safety is threatened by a man with political ambitions as well as sexual preferences he wants to keep secret. Not knowing what to do and deeply worried she turns to John Rein, an assassin for help. The solution he provides is not one she ever suggested or approved but one she can live with.
In “Knowing You’re Alive” Jack Reacher is following a man. When he enters the Butterfield institute Reacher is forced to stay outside. An hour later a bomb goes off inside the building and when Reacher climbs in he finds Dr. Morgan Snow with a broken foot and buried underneath rubble. To pass the time until help arrives and to distract Morgan from the pain, Reacher tells her a story about an army cop who has a, for him, very unusual sexual encounter with a woman in a secluded cabin.
I had enormous fun with these stories. I did in the past read one of the Cotton Malone titles by Steve Berry and am in the process of slowly but steadily reading my way through the Jack Reacher series. I haven’t read any of Eisler’s books yet though.
Because my familiarity with two of the male characters in these stories is therefore sketchy at best I’m not sure if I’m the right person to judge how well Rose captured them in her stories. Jack Reacher, the only character I do feel I’m somewhat familiar with, does sound completely in character to me though and I enjoyed the story she had him share with the doctor. Since the acknowledgements indicate that all three authors either approved of the stories or cooperated with Rose in the writing of them, I have to assume that she must have gotten it right in their eyes. And if the original authors can’t find fault, that is definitely good enough for me.
I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy M.J. Rose’s writing, it’s been that long since I last read a book by her. Now that my memory has been refreshed I want to make sure that it won’t be such a long time before I read something else by her. I also can’t help hoping that she will revisit Dr. Morgan Snow again in the not too distant future. I’ve read all the available titles in that series and wouldn’t mind a new one to add to the collection.
September 12, 2013
In the first of three stories, sex therapist extraordinaire Dr. Morgan Snow helps a female client to fulfillment by providing surreptitious therapy for her somewhat inhibited paramour Cotton Malone. Dr. Snow travels abroad to visit with him in his used- and rare-book store where, posing as a customer, she gets him to talk, perusing with him a book of medieval erotica featuring nuns and priests. Un-dammed, he gratefully makes her a gift of the hugely expensive book for her erotica collection.
What therapy ought to be? Dream on!
Adding to the hilarity, I entered into this fantasy world while driving down the road on the way to a required continuing-ed ethics workshop, the purpose of which is to teach psychologists and therapists what not to do with their patients. No dual relationships, no violations of confidentiality, no therapy at cocktail parties (or used-book stores), no expensive gifts or in-kind payment, no role confusion, and, most important, no taking advantage of the patient's transference or acting on that pesky counter-transference. Spoil sports! (But savers from career-ending lawsuits and front-page scandals as well, not to mention actual care of the patient.)
Meet, not Dr. Snow, but Goodreads author M.J. Rose. She has written a series, the Butterfield Institute books, about her heroine Dr. Snow, and another series as well, but the present short three-story collection has Dr. Snow finding a way to "shrink" action heroes Cotton Malone, John Rain, and Jack Reacher, all done with the other authors' permission and, sometimes, cooperation. This was a great opportunity for me to finally meet those action guys, about whom I'd sometimes been curious but never found time to meet between the pages. From an interview Ms. Rose gave at the end of the audiobook, I also learned the entire proceeds from the audiobook (and some from the Kindle version) has been going to David Balducci's Wish You Well Foundation literacy project.
Ms. Rose is an articulate and clever writer, and if her heroine varies off the helping path into the realm of erotic fantasy, so be it.
In the second story Dr. Snow is faced with a momentous decision as her maternal instinct clashes with a patient's needs, when a powerful--and sociopathic--politician tries to liberate damning files from her office.
In the final tale, Dr. Snow even uses her own painful injury to cajole Jack Reacher into distracting her with an erotic, and revealing, story.
The audio is well worth listening to, very professional, with the same actors who usually read each of the tough guys enrolled for the present effort, downloadable for your mp3 player, an hour and 48 minutes. Also on Kindle, 62 pages. Pure R-rated fun and games.
What therapy ought to be? Dream on!
Adding to the hilarity, I entered into this fantasy world while driving down the road on the way to a required continuing-ed ethics workshop, the purpose of which is to teach psychologists and therapists what not to do with their patients. No dual relationships, no violations of confidentiality, no therapy at cocktail parties (or used-book stores), no expensive gifts or in-kind payment, no role confusion, and, most important, no taking advantage of the patient's transference or acting on that pesky counter-transference. Spoil sports! (But savers from career-ending lawsuits and front-page scandals as well, not to mention actual care of the patient.)
Meet, not Dr. Snow, but Goodreads author M.J. Rose. She has written a series, the Butterfield Institute books, about her heroine Dr. Snow, and another series as well, but the present short three-story collection has Dr. Snow finding a way to "shrink" action heroes Cotton Malone, John Rain, and Jack Reacher, all done with the other authors' permission and, sometimes, cooperation. This was a great opportunity for me to finally meet those action guys, about whom I'd sometimes been curious but never found time to meet between the pages. From an interview Ms. Rose gave at the end of the audiobook, I also learned the entire proceeds from the audiobook (and some from the Kindle version) has been going to David Balducci's Wish You Well Foundation literacy project.
Ms. Rose is an articulate and clever writer, and if her heroine varies off the helping path into the realm of erotic fantasy, so be it.
In the second story Dr. Snow is faced with a momentous decision as her maternal instinct clashes with a patient's needs, when a powerful--and sociopathic--politician tries to liberate damning files from her office.
In the final tale, Dr. Snow even uses her own painful injury to cajole Jack Reacher into distracting her with an erotic, and revealing, story.
The audio is well worth listening to, very professional, with the same actors who usually read each of the tough guys enrolled for the present effort, downloadable for your mp3 player, an hour and 48 minutes. Also on Kindle, 62 pages. Pure R-rated fun and games.
February 22, 2013
REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY
This book brings three stories, each different but non of the less, important to those who like to dwell after turning the last page.
It was the first time that I read something like this and in which the main character is a sex therapist, exposing to us reader's the problems shared with her patients.
In the first story, we have a woman that loves the man she shares her life with but wants to push forward with their relationship. Anyway, she senses that something is holding him back and asks for the help of Dr. Snow.
Almost undercover, our good doctor shows up with a solution that get's the job done.
Funny that something so small to an adult's eye can take such a big deal in a child's mind that pursues him through his adult life.
In "Decisions, Decisions", Dr. Snow will have to ask a former patient to contact the father of her son, he happens to be an assassin, so he can help her solve a problem with a patients husband.
Again, funny how people have fantasies to be degraded by their partner in life, getting high on them and how your partner can get addicted on something so wrong ... here's something to think about.
And what about Dr. Morgan Snow ?
You would think that she's a strong independent, woman but under her skin, she's so mortal as any of us and I think that anyone would do anything to protect the one's we love.
In our third story, Jack Reacher, an ex-military is following Ted Carlson and as he walks in the Butterfield Institute, a bomb ignites.
Under the wreckage is Dr. Morgan Snow. To distract her from the pain and from the hole happening he tells her a story.
My conclusion is that even in the middle of chaos we can still have hope to find a caring soul.
Overall and in the circumstances that this kind of genre was a first to me, I found the reading a very satisfying one and it can not be easy to flow with the words in this kind of story.
I will probably follow up in more of her books because I recognize that skill and imagination are here.
This book brings three stories, each different but non of the less, important to those who like to dwell after turning the last page.
It was the first time that I read something like this and in which the main character is a sex therapist, exposing to us reader's the problems shared with her patients.
In the first story, we have a woman that loves the man she shares her life with but wants to push forward with their relationship. Anyway, she senses that something is holding him back and asks for the help of Dr. Snow.
Almost undercover, our good doctor shows up with a solution that get's the job done.
Funny that something so small to an adult's eye can take such a big deal in a child's mind that pursues him through his adult life.
In "Decisions, Decisions", Dr. Snow will have to ask a former patient to contact the father of her son, he happens to be an assassin, so he can help her solve a problem with a patients husband.
Again, funny how people have fantasies to be degraded by their partner in life, getting high on them and how your partner can get addicted on something so wrong ... here's something to think about.
And what about Dr. Morgan Snow ?
You would think that she's a strong independent, woman but under her skin, she's so mortal as any of us and I think that anyone would do anything to protect the one's we love.
In our third story, Jack Reacher, an ex-military is following Ted Carlson and as he walks in the Butterfield Institute, a bomb ignites.
Under the wreckage is Dr. Morgan Snow. To distract her from the pain and from the hole happening he tells her a story.
My conclusion is that even in the middle of chaos we can still have hope to find a caring soul.
Overall and in the circumstances that this kind of genre was a first to me, I found the reading a very satisfying one and it can not be easy to flow with the words in this kind of story.
I will probably follow up in more of her books because I recognize that skill and imagination are here.
November 12, 2012
Read other book reviews at Book Junkie Joint.
This crossover of protagonists from different authors is just pure awesomeness!
I'd have to admit that the main reason why I picked up this book was because of Barry Eisler's John Rain. I have three John Rain books and I just couldn't resist not reading this one.
Aside from John Rain, the other thing which made me pick up this book was the fact that it involved a sex therapist. Sex is an interesting yet delicate topic. Most people are still uncomfortable in discussing it openly, so I wanted to see how a sex therapist works.
I was not disappointed in picking up this book!
Dr. Morgan Snow is smart as she is perceptive. In Extenuating Circumstances, Dr. Morgan Snow shows that a sex therapy can be done even outside the four walls of her clinic. In fact, she almost seemed like a spy with what she did!
In Decision, Decisions (OMG! John Rain is here!!!), she crosses paths with John Rain, an assassin extraordinaire who can make his targets look like they died of natural causes. When Dr. Morgan Snow somehow assesses John Rain during a brief walk, she showed a totally different perspective of what his job meant to John Rain. And of course, the awesomesauce ending of John Rain being this stealthy good guy was epic. It totally rocked my socks off!
And finally, in Knowing You're Alive, this time, it isn't Dr. Morgan Snow who gives someone an epiphany. In the person of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Dr. Morgan Snow learns that needing someone doesn't necessarily mean that you're weak, and being independent doesn't necessarily translate to strength. This message was what really got to me because it's the exact same sentiment I groan when I read about the noble idiocy of so many heroes and heroines in the many novels that I've read! It's just... perfect!
This crossover of protagonists from different authors is just pure awesomeness!
I'd have to admit that the main reason why I picked up this book was because of Barry Eisler's John Rain. I have three John Rain books and I just couldn't resist not reading this one.
Aside from John Rain, the other thing which made me pick up this book was the fact that it involved a sex therapist. Sex is an interesting yet delicate topic. Most people are still uncomfortable in discussing it openly, so I wanted to see how a sex therapist works.
I was not disappointed in picking up this book!
Dr. Morgan Snow is smart as she is perceptive. In Extenuating Circumstances, Dr. Morgan Snow shows that a sex therapy can be done even outside the four walls of her clinic. In fact, she almost seemed like a spy with what she did!
In Decision, Decisions (OMG! John Rain is here!!!), she crosses paths with John Rain, an assassin extraordinaire who can make his targets look like they died of natural causes. When Dr. Morgan Snow somehow assesses John Rain during a brief walk, she showed a totally different perspective of what his job meant to John Rain. And of course, the awesomesauce ending of John Rain being this stealthy good guy was epic. It totally rocked my socks off!
And finally, in Knowing You're Alive, this time, it isn't Dr. Morgan Snow who gives someone an epiphany. In the person of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Dr. Morgan Snow learns that needing someone doesn't necessarily mean that you're weak, and being independent doesn't necessarily translate to strength. This message was what really got to me because it's the exact same sentiment I groan when I read about the noble idiocy of so many heroes and heroines in the many novels that I've read! It's just... perfect!
October 21, 2011
Review: In Session by M.J. Rose
5STARS
What a clever book. Taking characters from different writers interacting with each other characters. On top of that the money goes to a charity Wish you well foundation of David Baldacci. It supports family literacy.
Which I think is a great idea.
Lee Child and Barry Eisler were chatting about Lee's Jack Reacher versus Barry's John Rain. Than M.J. Rose jumped in and said her Dr. Snow would like to shrink them. Later she asked Steve Berry's about his Cotton Malone character too.
Dr. Snow runs into the characters at different places and shrinks them and it all works out. She meets Cotton Malone at his book store. Dr. Snow asks to meet John Rain in the park. Dr. Snow is in her office when she meets Jack Reacher but a bomb just went off and he climbed in to help. I liked all 3 short stories and would love to read more about them. I will look out for their books in the future.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
as review on readalot blog http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.com/
5STARS
What a clever book. Taking characters from different writers interacting with each other characters. On top of that the money goes to a charity Wish you well foundation of David Baldacci. It supports family literacy.
Which I think is a great idea.
Lee Child and Barry Eisler were chatting about Lee's Jack Reacher versus Barry's John Rain. Than M.J. Rose jumped in and said her Dr. Snow would like to shrink them. Later she asked Steve Berry's about his Cotton Malone character too.
Dr. Snow runs into the characters at different places and shrinks them and it all works out. She meets Cotton Malone at his book store. Dr. Snow asks to meet John Rain in the park. Dr. Snow is in her office when she meets Jack Reacher but a bomb just went off and he climbed in to help. I liked all 3 short stories and would love to read more about them. I will look out for their books in the future.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
as review on readalot blog http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.com/
February 21, 2013
Interesting concept - taking three very masculine, well-known characters from other fiction, and placing them in situations where they are talking to a sex therapist about sex! The short stories are an easy read; I was able to get through all three in an afternoon. The premise behind Dr. Snow meeting and engaging the three characters was very interesting (and apparently received the seals of approval from each characters creator). This would be a great read for anyone - not just women. Guys who are fans of any (or all) of the characters would enjoy the read without having to worry about "mushy love stuff" or highly-charged erotica. The characters seem to be in their usual elements - with a twist. Very enjoyable read...and all the proceeds of the audio book and a share of the proceeds of the ebook will be donated to David Baldacci's Wish You Well Foundation, supporting family literacy. (wishyouwellfoundation.org)! Win-Win!
July 30, 2015
Interesting concept but I could have done without the psychiatrist. She was the least interesting of the bunch by far. Having the parts of John Rain, Reacher and Cotton Malone narrated by the respectives narrators of the series was supercool. Like anybody who's a reader of Rain & Reacher, I always wonder who'll come out ahead in a fight so having them "meet" the same person was super exciting (like they were real people!) even if the stories weren't that interesting. (BTW...John Rain would have never given his name to a stranger.)
Listening to this made me want to read the Cotton Malone series so I guess the freebie did its job to promote each series.
Listening to this made me want to read the Cotton Malone series so I guess the freebie did its job to promote each series.
August 2, 2015
I have never actually read a book from any of these 4 characters before, but if this set of 3 shorts is anything to go by, I'm definitely interested in reading more on all of them.
great quick read. 3 very different stories, but all fantastic.
** thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for this copy!
great quick read. 3 very different stories, but all fantastic.
** thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for this copy!
August 3, 2020
Quick entertaining read; one of those where Jack Reacher is in the same story as some ‘heroes’ from other writers. Good premise that contains a little depth in such a short novella. Worth a read. I read any Jack Reacher stories.
July 11, 2017
This review originally printed in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.25 of 5
I'm a virgin to all four characters here: Dr. Morgan Snow, Cotton Malone, Jack Reacher, and John Rain. But the premise intrigued me and the length was just right to make some introductions.
Dr. Morgan Snow is a sex therapist. Not surprisingly, the people she comes in contact with on a daily basis have some interesting stories to tell. The sort of stories one would ONLY tell a sex therapist. In In Session, we get three stories in which Snow interacts with Cotton Malone (a character created by Steve Berry), Jack Reacher (Lee Child's creation), and John Rain (the product of Barry Eisler). Each story is quite different and I presume in line with how the 'other' character (Malone, Reacher, Rain) would ordinarily react (although they are written by M.J. Rose).
In her afterward, Rose explains how the concept came about and what sort of input was provided by the other writers.
I was most fascinated by Dr. Snow and I look forward to reading some of Rose's other works with this character. But I can't say that any of the characters DIDN'T interest me. Each held some fascination, but each was so different that it's really hard to compare.
The Cotton Malone story ("Extenuating Circumstance") was probably the most interesting to me. It was quite clever and it was this story that also made me want to read more about Snow as well.
The story featuring John Rain ("Decisions, Decisions") was the most active, but it also touched on an aspect of sexuality that we don't often see in fiction - the sexual gratification from something other than sex. I wouldn't mind seeing this story fleshed out (pun intended) a little more, or at least another encounter with these two characters, although even with my limited knowledge of Snow, it didn't feel right that she approached Rain the way that she did.
The story with Snow and Jack Reacher ("Knowing You're Alive") was the most tender of the works despite the atrocity that brought the story together. This one was mostly a tease for me and made me want to read more just to get to know the characters in more depth.
This is an unusual work - three characters from three different authors interacting with a character by another author - but it works, in part because it's short and direct, rather than trying to introduce the readership to each character. The proceeds from this short collection go to wishyouwellfoundation.org.
It is well worth the price and you should get this.
Looking for a good book? The brief collection, In Session, by M. J. Rose is a delightful combining of Rose's Dr. Morgan Snow character with three other notable literary characters and is worth reading.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a virgin to all four characters here: Dr. Morgan Snow, Cotton Malone, Jack Reacher, and John Rain. But the premise intrigued me and the length was just right to make some introductions.
Dr. Morgan Snow is a sex therapist. Not surprisingly, the people she comes in contact with on a daily basis have some interesting stories to tell. The sort of stories one would ONLY tell a sex therapist. In In Session, we get three stories in which Snow interacts with Cotton Malone (a character created by Steve Berry), Jack Reacher (Lee Child's creation), and John Rain (the product of Barry Eisler). Each story is quite different and I presume in line with how the 'other' character (Malone, Reacher, Rain) would ordinarily react (although they are written by M.J. Rose).
In her afterward, Rose explains how the concept came about and what sort of input was provided by the other writers.
I was most fascinated by Dr. Snow and I look forward to reading some of Rose's other works with this character. But I can't say that any of the characters DIDN'T interest me. Each held some fascination, but each was so different that it's really hard to compare.
The Cotton Malone story ("Extenuating Circumstance") was probably the most interesting to me. It was quite clever and it was this story that also made me want to read more about Snow as well.
The story featuring John Rain ("Decisions, Decisions") was the most active, but it also touched on an aspect of sexuality that we don't often see in fiction - the sexual gratification from something other than sex. I wouldn't mind seeing this story fleshed out (pun intended) a little more, or at least another encounter with these two characters, although even with my limited knowledge of Snow, it didn't feel right that she approached Rain the way that she did.
The story with Snow and Jack Reacher ("Knowing You're Alive") was the most tender of the works despite the atrocity that brought the story together. This one was mostly a tease for me and made me want to read more just to get to know the characters in more depth.
This is an unusual work - three characters from three different authors interacting with a character by another author - but it works, in part because it's short and direct, rather than trying to introduce the readership to each character. The proceeds from this short collection go to wishyouwellfoundation.org.
It is well worth the price and you should get this.
Looking for a good book? The brief collection, In Session, by M. J. Rose is a delightful combining of Rose's Dr. Morgan Snow character with three other notable literary characters and is worth reading.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2022
I happened to come across this in my TBR library and it seemed like the right timing and something that would be interesting. I am a huge fan of all three of the male protagonists that were going to be featured in this anthology - Reacher, Jonh Rain and Cotton Malone. I had not though, ever heard of the author MJ Rose nor the main female protagonist of her books -Dr. Morgan Snow.
The set up is interesting. Apparently, this Dr. Snow is a sex therapist and Ms. Rose thought it would be exciting to see if they (the other authors of these male protagonists) could find a way to get each of these very strong men with alpha tendencies on her hypothetical couch. I had a hard time even imagining that.
What they did end up doing was setting up circumstances for each man where she was able to meet the men without the knowledge that she was already aware of them (usually through their significant other having shared information with her as her clients). Was that a bit of a straddling of the doctor/patient line? Yep, just a little bit.
Anyway, as I said - it was interesting. I found that I actually liked the circumstances that the men found themselves in as the thing that was the most interesting and each man honestly was fairly consistent with the behavior that we have seen over and over in their lives and experiences.
I felt the scenario with John Rain was the most accurate and true to form with the Rain we have come to know. The Reacher story was just odd. Yes, the actual conversation and actions performed by Reacher with the Doctor did seem true to the man we know, but the circumstances that got him up on that balcony in the first place were flimsy - very flimsy - at best. And who was the man that he was following? That took me out of the story because it felt only half explained. I know the purpose was to get him to talk to the Doctor, but it still felt stilted.
I also have to admit that I am the least familiar with Mr. Malone. I have read...I think...maybe three books in his series (while I have read everything with the other two men) so my knowledge of his character is the most limited. But in the end, the story was okay. I think that this story was the one story where she - the Doctor - was actually trying to have a session with him and truthfully, I'm not sure how I felt about that. It was....odd.
So, interesting idea. My favorite thing though was just getting to see three characters that I really like in new situations. In that aspect, you really can't go wrong. Am I interested in looking for new books featuring Dr. Morgan Snow after this? Unfortunately, I would have to say I'm not. I enjoyed this unusual case study though so that in itself is a win.
The set up is interesting. Apparently, this Dr. Snow is a sex therapist and Ms. Rose thought it would be exciting to see if they (the other authors of these male protagonists) could find a way to get each of these very strong men with alpha tendencies on her hypothetical couch. I had a hard time even imagining that.
What they did end up doing was setting up circumstances for each man where she was able to meet the men without the knowledge that she was already aware of them (usually through their significant other having shared information with her as her clients). Was that a bit of a straddling of the doctor/patient line? Yep, just a little bit.
Anyway, as I said - it was interesting. I found that I actually liked the circumstances that the men found themselves in as the thing that was the most interesting and each man honestly was fairly consistent with the behavior that we have seen over and over in their lives and experiences.
I felt the scenario with John Rain was the most accurate and true to form with the Rain we have come to know. The Reacher story was just odd. Yes, the actual conversation and actions performed by Reacher with the Doctor did seem true to the man we know, but the circumstances that got him up on that balcony in the first place were flimsy - very flimsy - at best. And who was the man that he was following? That took me out of the story because it felt only half explained. I know the purpose was to get him to talk to the Doctor, but it still felt stilted.
I also have to admit that I am the least familiar with Mr. Malone. I have read...I think...maybe three books in his series (while I have read everything with the other two men) so my knowledge of his character is the most limited. But in the end, the story was okay. I think that this story was the one story where she - the Doctor - was actually trying to have a session with him and truthfully, I'm not sure how I felt about that. It was....odd.
So, interesting idea. My favorite thing though was just getting to see three characters that I really like in new situations. In that aspect, you really can't go wrong. Am I interested in looking for new books featuring Dr. Morgan Snow after this? Unfortunately, I would have to say I'm not. I enjoyed this unusual case study though so that in itself is a win.
June 6, 2019
A quick and curious beast. Writer M.J. Rose takes her sex therapist character Morgan Snow (from the “Butterfield Institute" series) and pits her wits against three characters from scores of thrillers Steve Berry's Cotton Malone, Barry Eisler's John Rain, and Lee Child’s Jack Reacher. Inspired by a conversation on Child’s web forum, it’s interesting to see how Rose gets these singular characters into some form of therapy. While I can’t speak to the first two, she writes an authentic Reacher, which is the whole reason I was here in the first place. Coupled with the release of Child’s own “Second Son” short story the previous month, 2011 was definitely a year of learning new things about Reacher. That’s for damn sure. The bonus interview on the audio edition is a great insight into how Rose married the styles of Berry, Eisler, and Child with her own, and how much each of the writers wanted to be involved in the dialogue of their characters. Bonus: it’s all written for charity, so even if this session was brief and mildly salacious, it’s all for a good cause.
November 11, 2024
I had read some of the Cassiopea Vitt books from Steve Berry and MJ Rose, so this was something I wanted to check out. It is a novel and fantastic idea, a sex therapist encounters gentlemen who would never use her services. I love the fact that authors Steve Berry, Barry Eisler and Lee Child would collaborate on a unique project. MJ Rose used her character Dr. Morgan Snow to encounter our heroes in varied settings. I particularly loved the Cotton Malone and John Rain stories. Reacher's was good as well, the first two were stellar. The book is wonderful, but you need the audiobook. I listened to the audiobook with the fantastic Natalie Ross. As a special treat, each character was voiced by the narrator voices him in the novels. The fantastic Scott Brick, Barry Eisler, Phil Gigante and Dick Hill. As a special treat, there is an interview with MJ Rose about how this all came together and the fun she had working with the authors and their famous characters. The interview is not in the ebook. I hope she does this again. Now I have to check out Cotton Malone and John Rain.
October 16, 2017
Ever wondered what it would take to get Jack Reacher (Lee Child's protagonist) in therapy with Dr. Morgan Snow, famous psychologist from the Butterfield Institute? Or if a assassin like John Rain (Barry Eisler) would ever talk about his sex life? Well, wonder no more. In Session is a fun and playful collection of 3 short stories, each featuring Morgan Snow (thank goodness she's back!) and a equally famous protagonist. Charming.
July 24, 2018
I found the concept of the book very interesting. Morgan Snow meets characters from other novels (some of my favorite, too). While the interactions were short, they were powerful and provided insight into all the characters. Really worthwhile.
April 7, 2019
Interesting read, it's basically a sex therapist meeting famous fictional characters and somehow doing therapy on them without them knowing, but doing them good. My favourite was Jack reacher as that's my hubby's favourite read.
It's not my normal read, so 2.5-3 strange but interesting stars
It's not my normal read, so 2.5-3 strange but interesting stars
August 26, 2020
Decidedly inferior short stories featuring several well known thriller heroes from other authors, loosely held together by a connection to a shrink. Only slightly entertaining, with one especially silly Jack Reacher episode. I only read it to cover all the Steve Berry bases.
May 25, 2025
Fun, short, quick read, novella. It was fun to see how Ms. Rose was going to incorporate Cotton Malone, John Rain, and Reacher into the same novella. But I think she did a good job. The Cotton story was the most interesting to me.
February 5, 2024
Dr Morgan Snow, the sex therapist!
"Needing someone doesn’t make you weak, it makes you feel. And feeling is how you know you’re alive."
"Needing someone doesn’t make you weak, it makes you feel. And feeling is how you know you’re alive."
April 18, 2024
I love any crossover book! I liked seeing Reacher and Cotton in new points of view.
Read
May 14, 2025Only read "Extenuating Circumstances", so didn't give any stars. A short story on collecting erotica. Unsure of starting date.
August 8, 2012
Rating: 3 paws
One quote from the book that I particularly cared for: "My whole life is a wrong decision. One more one way or the other there is a statistical rounding error."
Summary of the book in one sentence: "What a sex therapist discusses with professional assassins/spies in a therapy session."
--------------
So, I honestly had no idea what this book was to be about, and I really only got it because Audible was offering it for cheap and I enjoy the novels the different spy-characters are in. I had no previous experience with M.J. Rose's works, and I had no idea what I was getting in to. It was an interesting experience.
First paw consists of the writing style - basically, this is the technical aspect of the book. A short story anthology is a bit difficult to judge on technical merit, at least, it is for me. The writing is just too short for a real sample. But, Rose does well in this area, even in the brief moments that we're with her in the stories, and, while it's not stunning writing, there aren't any glaring, irritating mishaps that she takes, either. She earns this paw on the pure basis that I can't *not* give it to her.
The second paw is "emotional connection" - basically, was I *interested* in what I was reading? Even in these brief forays into the different scenes, Rose *did* make me interested. I Wanted More. I think that that's probably one of the signs of a GOOD short story - I'm left wishing these were actual novels, so I can revel in the emotional connection with the story. Rose more than earns this paw.
Third paw is plot - akin to writing style, but purely about The Story. I think my biggest complaint about this book comes with this topic. In any short story, suspension of disbelief is probably more important than ever, to Make Things Make Sense. Even so, the first story has be really questioning the ethics of this doctor and makes me highly uncomfortable. The other stories don't have this problem *quite* as badly, but then, the other stories don't really have much *plot.* They're far more akin to vignettes than anything else. They also didn't contain much *suspense,* which is what I thought they would, considering the characters involved. It was pretty much just dialogue. So, while I enjoyed the various stories and the writing, and so on, I really can't give this paw.
The last paw is "Other Stuff," which is pretty much anything that doesn't go into another category but is still note-worthy. So, let me gush about the narrators. I *adore* Scott Brick's voice and I think he really should read erotica. I'd buy that RIGHT up. And, I enjoy Dick Hill's voice, for a totally different aesthetic value. Hearing their voices in this made it more enjoyable. So, if you're looking for something purely on the audiophile level, I'd say go with this. The performances were great. Obviously, this is a free paw for this book.
One quote from the book that I particularly cared for: "My whole life is a wrong decision. One more one way or the other there is a statistical rounding error."
Summary of the book in one sentence: "What a sex therapist discusses with professional assassins/spies in a therapy session."
--------------
So, I honestly had no idea what this book was to be about, and I really only got it because Audible was offering it for cheap and I enjoy the novels the different spy-characters are in. I had no previous experience with M.J. Rose's works, and I had no idea what I was getting in to. It was an interesting experience.
First paw consists of the writing style - basically, this is the technical aspect of the book. A short story anthology is a bit difficult to judge on technical merit, at least, it is for me. The writing is just too short for a real sample. But, Rose does well in this area, even in the brief moments that we're with her in the stories, and, while it's not stunning writing, there aren't any glaring, irritating mishaps that she takes, either. She earns this paw on the pure basis that I can't *not* give it to her.
The second paw is "emotional connection" - basically, was I *interested* in what I was reading? Even in these brief forays into the different scenes, Rose *did* make me interested. I Wanted More. I think that that's probably one of the signs of a GOOD short story - I'm left wishing these were actual novels, so I can revel in the emotional connection with the story. Rose more than earns this paw.
Third paw is plot - akin to writing style, but purely about The Story. I think my biggest complaint about this book comes with this topic. In any short story, suspension of disbelief is probably more important than ever, to Make Things Make Sense. Even so, the first story has be really questioning the ethics of this doctor and makes me highly uncomfortable. The other stories don't have this problem *quite* as badly, but then, the other stories don't really have much *plot.* They're far more akin to vignettes than anything else. They also didn't contain much *suspense,* which is what I thought they would, considering the characters involved. It was pretty much just dialogue. So, while I enjoyed the various stories and the writing, and so on, I really can't give this paw.
The last paw is "Other Stuff," which is pretty much anything that doesn't go into another category but is still note-worthy. So, let me gush about the narrators. I *adore* Scott Brick's voice and I think he really should read erotica. I'd buy that RIGHT up. And, I enjoy Dick Hill's voice, for a totally different aesthetic value. Hearing their voices in this made it more enjoyable. So, if you're looking for something purely on the audiophile level, I'd say go with this. The performances were great. Obviously, this is a free paw for this book.
October 19, 2012
I'm not altogether certain what I expected from In Session: Dr. Morgan Snow - but I probably would have gotten more out of it, had I been familiar with all of the characters.
Nonetheless, it was an interesting read, or should I say reads?
The primary character - Dr. Morgan Snow - is a sex therapist and star of the "Butterfield Institute Series" by M.J. Rose. In this volume, consisting of three short stories, Dr. Snow 'shrinks' characters from three well-known suspense series.
Extenuating Circumstances: Steve Berry's' Cotton Malone is a former Justice Department operative who is enjoying his retirement and new life as an antiquarian book seller in Copenhagen. But his girlfriend is Snow's patient and begs for help with their relationship, sending the doctor to Denmark and a little covert therapy.
Decisions, Decisions: When Dr. Morgan Snow refuses to turn over a patient's records to her powerful husband, he makes thinly-veiled threats against Morgan's daughter. Terrified for Dulcie, she is forced to turn to Barry Eisler's John Rain, a master of death by "natural causes." And in the process, learns something about herself.
Knowing You're Alive: Lee Child's ex-military cop, Jack Reacher, has been following Ted Carlson since sundown. When the subject disappeared into The Butterfield Institute, Reacher waited; for an hour, until an explosion rocked the building. Inside, he finds Dr. Morgan Snow, trapped under debris he cannot move. While they wait for paramedics, he tells her a story.
Due to its nature: one fictional individual (rather) covertly providing sex therapy to three others, there isn't a lot of back story or character development here. You aren't going to get to know each person - as it's assumed they are already familiar to readers.
Although I did enjoy each story on its own, I'm certain that the impact / import of the conversations and revelations would mean much more to readers and fans of Snow, Malone, Rain, and Reacher. So, for me, it was a little disappointing.
But, it did pique my curiosity about these characters. Who knows? I may have found four new authors to explore.
And you simply can't go wrong when
All the proceeds of the audio book and a share of the proceeds of the ebook will be donated to David Baldacci's Wish You Well Foundation, supporting family literacy. (WishYouWellFoundation.org)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary electronic galley of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com professional readers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
[This review was originally written 10/28/2011.]
Nonetheless, it was an interesting read, or should I say reads?
The primary character - Dr. Morgan Snow - is a sex therapist and star of the "Butterfield Institute Series" by M.J. Rose. In this volume, consisting of three short stories, Dr. Snow 'shrinks' characters from three well-known suspense series.
Extenuating Circumstances: Steve Berry's' Cotton Malone is a former Justice Department operative who is enjoying his retirement and new life as an antiquarian book seller in Copenhagen. But his girlfriend is Snow's patient and begs for help with their relationship, sending the doctor to Denmark and a little covert therapy.
Decisions, Decisions: When Dr. Morgan Snow refuses to turn over a patient's records to her powerful husband, he makes thinly-veiled threats against Morgan's daughter. Terrified for Dulcie, she is forced to turn to Barry Eisler's John Rain, a master of death by "natural causes." And in the process, learns something about herself.
Knowing You're Alive: Lee Child's ex-military cop, Jack Reacher, has been following Ted Carlson since sundown. When the subject disappeared into The Butterfield Institute, Reacher waited; for an hour, until an explosion rocked the building. Inside, he finds Dr. Morgan Snow, trapped under debris he cannot move. While they wait for paramedics, he tells her a story.
Due to its nature: one fictional individual (rather) covertly providing sex therapy to three others, there isn't a lot of back story or character development here. You aren't going to get to know each person - as it's assumed they are already familiar to readers.
Although I did enjoy each story on its own, I'm certain that the impact / import of the conversations and revelations would mean much more to readers and fans of Snow, Malone, Rain, and Reacher. So, for me, it was a little disappointing.
But, it did pique my curiosity about these characters. Who knows? I may have found four new authors to explore.
And you simply can't go wrong when
All the proceeds of the audio book and a share of the proceeds of the ebook will be donated to David Baldacci's Wish You Well Foundation, supporting family literacy. (WishYouWellFoundation.org)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary electronic galley of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com professional readers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
[This review was originally written 10/28/2011.]
February 4, 2012
I do not usually read books like this. However, I love Steve Berry's Cotton Malone character, so I thought I'd try it out. MJ Rose's character Dr. Morgan Snow is a sex therapist. The premise for this book is that these 3 strong male characters are being analyzed by her, or come into her life, for various reasons.
The first story is Cotton's ("Extenuating Circumstances"). If you haven't read any of Steve Berry's books, I would definitely recommend them. I think they are fabulous books of adventure and finding things. They aren't your usual intrigue/adventure story. Cotton has to be one of my favorite characters. That being said, I was a little disappointed in his story. I know that it was written with Mr. Berry's consent and review, but it didn't have the feel of a Cotton story to me. Dr. Snow is approached by a woman about problems with her boyfriend. She counsels her, and then on a trip to Europe, makes a stop in Demark to visit Cotton's rare book store. Over the perusal of an old erotic book, she gets Cotton's story. This was one of the shorter stories in the book and I don't know that it really gave me any insight into Cotton's character.
In the second story ("Decisions, Decisions"), Barry Eisler's character John Rains makes an appearance. Dr. Snow is threatened by the husband of one of her patients. She makes a connection with a former patient's friend who "makes things go away" and sets up an appointment. Though she initially wants to hire John for a task, it ends up that she just needs to talk the situation through with someone. John's interesting viewpoints and thoughts help her make a decision as to her final action. I haven't read any of Mr. Eisler's books, so I can't speak to how true to life the portrayal of John Rains is.
In the last story ("Knowing Your Alive", Lee Child's Jack Reacher arrives on scene after a bomb has exploded in Dr. Snow's building. He isn't able to pull her from the rubble, but he sits with her until the rescue crews arrive. In order to distract her from the pain, he tells her a story about "his friend" who had a life-changing experience. This was one of my favorite stories, even though I have never read any of the Jack Reacher books. I thought this one was very personal, in a way that the other two weren't.
I think I will definitely pick up more books like this. I know I like the other books MJ Rose has written (The Reincarnationist, The Memorist). I haven't read any of the Dr. Snow books, but I may pick one up now and see what I think.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The first story is Cotton's ("Extenuating Circumstances"). If you haven't read any of Steve Berry's books, I would definitely recommend them. I think they are fabulous books of adventure and finding things. They aren't your usual intrigue/adventure story. Cotton has to be one of my favorite characters. That being said, I was a little disappointed in his story. I know that it was written with Mr. Berry's consent and review, but it didn't have the feel of a Cotton story to me. Dr. Snow is approached by a woman about problems with her boyfriend. She counsels her, and then on a trip to Europe, makes a stop in Demark to visit Cotton's rare book store. Over the perusal of an old erotic book, she gets Cotton's story. This was one of the shorter stories in the book and I don't know that it really gave me any insight into Cotton's character.
In the second story ("Decisions, Decisions"), Barry Eisler's character John Rains makes an appearance. Dr. Snow is threatened by the husband of one of her patients. She makes a connection with a former patient's friend who "makes things go away" and sets up an appointment. Though she initially wants to hire John for a task, it ends up that she just needs to talk the situation through with someone. John's interesting viewpoints and thoughts help her make a decision as to her final action. I haven't read any of Mr. Eisler's books, so I can't speak to how true to life the portrayal of John Rains is.
In the last story ("Knowing Your Alive", Lee Child's Jack Reacher arrives on scene after a bomb has exploded in Dr. Snow's building. He isn't able to pull her from the rubble, but he sits with her until the rescue crews arrive. In order to distract her from the pain, he tells her a story about "his friend" who had a life-changing experience. This was one of my favorite stories, even though I have never read any of the Jack Reacher books. I thought this one was very personal, in a way that the other two weren't.
I think I will definitely pick up more books like this. I know I like the other books MJ Rose has written (The Reincarnationist, The Memorist). I haven't read any of the Dr. Snow books, but I may pick one up now and see what I think.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 26, 2011
In Session by M.J. Rose is a short book which contains three short stories. This is a unique book because Ms. Rose uses three fictional characters of other authors who visit her creation – a sex therapist.
The book contains 3 short stories:
Extenuating Circumstances: featuring Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone. A woman who wants help for her lover prompts Dr. Snow, sex therapist, to go overseas in order to meet with the man.
Decisions, Decisions: featuring Barry Eisler’s John Rain. In this story Dr. Snow steps out of her comfort zone into a world of gray, where the lines between good and evil are intertwined.
Knowing You’re Alive: featuring Lee Child’s Jack Reacher. Dr. Snow finds an unexpected savior but doesn’t miss the opportunity for some one-on-one therapy.
In Session by M.J. Rose is a likeable book and interesting as well. The book flatly falls under the category of “fan fiction” but it is written by an established and successful author.
The common denominator between all stories is Ms. Rose’s creation of sex-therapist Dr. Morgan Snow who analyzes three famous fictional characters Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone and Barry Eisler’s John Rain.
When I read the synopsis for the book, the first thing that came into my mind was how will Ms. Rose come up with reasons to put Reacher, the drifter, Malone, the covert agent (or former) and Rain, an assassin, on a sex therapist’s couch?
After all, many men much less formidable than those three would ever agree to such a session.
Ms. Rose actually managed to do this. She used various creative techniques and delving into the characters’ psyche and giving them a new dimension.
Overall, a very interesting book, a short, quick read and well worth it especially if you are a fan of one or more of the characters.
If you decided to get the audio version it is narrated by Phil Gigante and Natalie Ross. This version also features Dick Hill, Scott Brick and Barry Eisler reprising their roles of Reacher, Malone and Rain.
Proceeds from the audiobook and some from the e-book are going to David Baldacci's Wish You Well Foundation, which supports family literacy.
For more reviews and bookish thoughts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
The book contains 3 short stories:
Extenuating Circumstances: featuring Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone. A woman who wants help for her lover prompts Dr. Snow, sex therapist, to go overseas in order to meet with the man.
Decisions, Decisions: featuring Barry Eisler’s John Rain. In this story Dr. Snow steps out of her comfort zone into a world of gray, where the lines between good and evil are intertwined.
Knowing You’re Alive: featuring Lee Child’s Jack Reacher. Dr. Snow finds an unexpected savior but doesn’t miss the opportunity for some one-on-one therapy.
In Session by M.J. Rose is a likeable book and interesting as well. The book flatly falls under the category of “fan fiction” but it is written by an established and successful author.
The common denominator between all stories is Ms. Rose’s creation of sex-therapist Dr. Morgan Snow who analyzes three famous fictional characters Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone and Barry Eisler’s John Rain.
When I read the synopsis for the book, the first thing that came into my mind was how will Ms. Rose come up with reasons to put Reacher, the drifter, Malone, the covert agent (or former) and Rain, an assassin, on a sex therapist’s couch?
After all, many men much less formidable than those three would ever agree to such a session.
Ms. Rose actually managed to do this. She used various creative techniques and delving into the characters’ psyche and giving them a new dimension.
Overall, a very interesting book, a short, quick read and well worth it especially if you are a fan of one or more of the characters.
If you decided to get the audio version it is narrated by Phil Gigante and Natalie Ross. This version also features Dick Hill, Scott Brick and Barry Eisler reprising their roles of Reacher, Malone and Rain.
Proceeds from the audiobook and some from the e-book are going to David Baldacci's Wish You Well Foundation, which supports family literacy.
For more reviews and bookish thoughts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
February 18, 2012
Damn good!
Introducing me to two new characters, who I now want to go read.
Sadly I wasn't as thrilled with the Reacher story, which was basically just a long sex scene, whereas the other two had mystery and twist.
Funds from this short collection are going toward adult literacy program the Wish You l Foundation.
Readers are getting great value, great stories, and supporting a great cause.
Review:
[ read the full review on http://www.fangtastic.com.au/books/shop.php/we-just-like/in-session/p_15978.html ]
Introducing me to two new characters, who I now want to go read.
Sadly I wasn't as thrilled with the Reacher story, which was basically just a long sex scene, whereas the other two had mystery and twist.
Funds from this short collection are going toward adult literacy program the Wish You l Foundation.
Readers are getting great value, great stories, and supporting a great cause.
Review:
In Session is a collection of three short stories, taking MJ Rose’ character, sexual psychiatrist Dr. Morgan Snow, and introducing her to Lee Childs’ Jack Reader, Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone and Barry Eisler’s John Rain.
Each of the stories is very well written, as one would expect from bestselling authors, and they’re all deliciously good fun! Even though I'm not familiar with most of the characters, suspense not being my usual genre, I might be forced to go hunt them out.
[ read the full review on http://www.fangtastic.com.au/books/shop.php/we-just-like/in-session/p_15978.html ]
It’s always fascinating to see a favourite character put in a setting that is completely outside of their normal world, and I could feel the discomfort the characters had in their individual stories; but as Cotton Malone and John Rain were both new to me, I found these to be the most interesting stories.
Each character is introduced well, so that if you’re a fan you will simply be getting additional insight into a character you’re already familiar with, but nothing that makes you sit up in alarm saying “but they’d never do that!”; yet if you’re completely unfamiliar with the character the reader is given enough to create a believable personality, but also given a tease of what further reading could develop into.
February 8, 2012
As a huge mystery and adventure fan , when I saw this book "In Session" written by MJ Rose , I thought I just had to read it and it was so awesome . Have you ever imagined what it would be like to analyse your favourite fictional adventure heroes ? What their conversations would be like if they ever found themselves wound up on the chair or in the office of a Sex Therapist ?
Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you put Jack Reacher in a room with John Rain and told them to battle till the end , who would win ? If you can recall , I posted an John Rain vs Jack Reacher a few months back and Jack Reacher won . But what if for the mix we chucked in Steve Berry's Cotton Malone?
In Session, is a quick read where we first have an introduction to MJ Rose's character Dr. Morgan Snow , Sex Therapist and a bit about her background . Then we meet in the first short story Cotton Malone and learn about the referral to the Sex Therapist's office and all about the collection of Erotica fiction and the lovely Catholic Priest Father Matthews.
The second story takes place when another referral brings Sarah whose husband Michael is having an affair and Sarah has proof , Michael angry with Sarah that she has given the files to Dr. Morgan Snow threatens her with the harm of her daughter Dulcie. Enter John Rain , Barry Eisler's character - an assassin who is sent to protect Dr. Snow and her daughter Dulcie. As I was reading this for some reason , I imagined Dr. Snow and Dulcie as Megan Hunt and Lacey from Body of Proof. The third and final short story , is that whilst walking past Dr. Snow's office -an explosion goes off and who should run to her rescue -none other than Lee Child's very own Jack Reacher whom saves the day but does not get away scot-free as he recieves an analysis from Dr.Morgan Snow.
A fun and enjoyable story, a quick read that would sit very nicely with everyone who has ever loved and crushed on Cotton Malone, John Rain , Jack Reacher and Dr. Morgan Snow.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you put Jack Reacher in a room with John Rain and told them to battle till the end , who would win ? If you can recall , I posted an John Rain vs Jack Reacher a few months back and Jack Reacher won . But what if for the mix we chucked in Steve Berry's Cotton Malone?
In Session, is a quick read where we first have an introduction to MJ Rose's character Dr. Morgan Snow , Sex Therapist and a bit about her background . Then we meet in the first short story Cotton Malone and learn about the referral to the Sex Therapist's office and all about the collection of Erotica fiction and the lovely Catholic Priest Father Matthews.
The second story takes place when another referral brings Sarah whose husband Michael is having an affair and Sarah has proof , Michael angry with Sarah that she has given the files to Dr. Morgan Snow threatens her with the harm of her daughter Dulcie. Enter John Rain , Barry Eisler's character - an assassin who is sent to protect Dr. Snow and her daughter Dulcie. As I was reading this for some reason , I imagined Dr. Snow and Dulcie as Megan Hunt and Lacey from Body of Proof. The third and final short story , is that whilst walking past Dr. Snow's office -an explosion goes off and who should run to her rescue -none other than Lee Child's very own Jack Reacher whom saves the day but does not get away scot-free as he recieves an analysis from Dr.Morgan Snow.
A fun and enjoyable story, a quick read that would sit very nicely with everyone who has ever loved and crushed on Cotton Malone, John Rain , Jack Reacher and Dr. Morgan Snow.
January 20, 2012
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I love me some Cotton Malone, so when I happened upon this e-book featuring not only Malone, but multiple other well-known characters, I immediately jumped at the chance to read it.
Ms. Rose has been on my radar for a while, but until I received this title I hadn't yet read any of her work. Going into the book, I kept an open mind despite my feelings that this basically amounts to fanfiction.
In Session is a short work comprised of even shorter stories. The main character, Dr. Morgan Snow, is the star of Ms. Rose's Butterfield Institute series. She's a sex therapist and while that didn't set off any alarms in my head, I was a bit worried to see how In Session would play out. Digging down deep into the minds of these men would be a fantastic read; raunchy sex scenes would not.
The first story in the book was coincidentally the one that made me want to read it in the first place: Extenuating Circumstances. Cotton Malone. I adore Steve Berry and his Cotton Malone series is among my favorites. Cotton owns a small bookshop in Copenhagen and it is there that the story is set. In an attempt to get Malone to talk to a therapist, a plan is hatched, ultimately leaving the story devoid of customers. A rare, erotic novel gets the ball rolling and, in the end, this story was the one I enjoyed the most (although I'm wondering if that wasn't because I'm already a fan of Malone's).
The second story, Decisions, Decisions lost me halfway through and it was there I walked away. John Rain is the patient in this story and from what I understand, he's an assassin? Unfortunately, I was unable to work up enough interest to keep going.
I had hoped for a quick, fun read, but was ultimately let down and bored.
I love me some Cotton Malone, so when I happened upon this e-book featuring not only Malone, but multiple other well-known characters, I immediately jumped at the chance to read it.
Ms. Rose has been on my radar for a while, but until I received this title I hadn't yet read any of her work. Going into the book, I kept an open mind despite my feelings that this basically amounts to fanfiction.
In Session is a short work comprised of even shorter stories. The main character, Dr. Morgan Snow, is the star of Ms. Rose's Butterfield Institute series. She's a sex therapist and while that didn't set off any alarms in my head, I was a bit worried to see how In Session would play out. Digging down deep into the minds of these men would be a fantastic read; raunchy sex scenes would not.
The first story in the book was coincidentally the one that made me want to read it in the first place: Extenuating Circumstances. Cotton Malone. I adore Steve Berry and his Cotton Malone series is among my favorites. Cotton owns a small bookshop in Copenhagen and it is there that the story is set. In an attempt to get Malone to talk to a therapist, a plan is hatched, ultimately leaving the story devoid of customers. A rare, erotic novel gets the ball rolling and, in the end, this story was the one I enjoyed the most (although I'm wondering if that wasn't because I'm already a fan of Malone's).
The second story, Decisions, Decisions lost me halfway through and it was there I walked away. John Rain is the patient in this story and from what I understand, he's an assassin? Unfortunately, I was unable to work up enough interest to keep going.
I had hoped for a quick, fun read, but was ultimately let down and bored.
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