Derailed Conscience

by Eliza Green

When you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust?

While on a business trip to Spelling in North Hampshire, Jonathan Farrell, a psychologist’s assistant, is accused of murder by a random stranger. Jonathan tries to shake off the untrue accusation levelled at him, but something about it feels wrong.

A number of similarly strange confrontations compel Jonathan to take action to protect himself. But the incidents are so bizarre, even the psychologist he works for wonders if they really happened.

Jonathan is forced to question his own sanity, but is everything as it seems?

Genres: Science Fiction, Mystery

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 8, 2015

About the author

Eliza Green tried her hand at fashion designing, massage, painting, and even ghost hunting, before finding her love of writing. She often wonders if her desire to change the ending of a particular glittery vampire story steered her in that direction (it did). After earning her degree in marketing, Eliza went on to work in everything but marketing, but swears she uses it in everyday life, or so she tells her bank manager.

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, she lives there with her sci-fi loving, evil genius best friend. When not working on her next amazing science fiction adventure, you can find her reading, indulging in new food at an amazing restaurant or simply singing along to something with a half decent beat.

Check out Eliza’s complete list of books at www.elizagreenbooks.com/books

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by outside influences that you begin to think you’ve entered the Twilight Zone or are in a bad dream you can’t wake up from? Jonathan’s simple business trip to Spelling turned into his own private hell as he is accused of a crime he did not commit. The townspeople are up in arms, tossing accusations at him and he has no idea why. Just as suddenly as the violence begins, it’s over, poof, like it never happened. Is it something in the water in Spelling or is it something more devious and sinister in play? Who better to speak to about this than his boss, a seasoned psychologist how has helped him with other issues. Is she regretting hiring him? Could it cost him his internship? Just when he thinks he is totally losing his mind, a blast from the past, his twin brother, a recently released convict contacts him and Jonathan thinks he has found the problem, a case of mistaken identity. Jonathan is taking the heat for his brother’s crimes. Is that what is happening? Has he been set up as a patsy? If so, by whom? If the answers can be found, will it be in time to save him from insanity or worse?

Have you read anything from Eliza Green? She has an amazing series called The Exilon 5 Trilogy, but Derailed Conscience is a much darker and twisted trip into shaking up the human mind. Talk about a walk on the dark side! Ms. Green has taken psychological drama to the jagged edge of one’s imagination as I felt what Jonathan felt, and could not figure out what was happening and where it was coming from! Edge of your seat, nerve jangling scenes, that all are as if being seen through Jonathan’s troubled eyes, a Twilight Zone experience for sure….the only thing missing was Eliza Green saying she was now returning control of my reality back to me. 4.5 Creepy Stars!

I received an ARC edition from Eliza Green in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: May 8, 2015
Publisher: Eliza Green
Genre: Psychological Sci-fi Thriller
Print Length: 88 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Understanding of the brain by the brain is a tough job, even for psychologists. Jonathan Farrell's work as a psychologist's assistant leads him to a small town where a harmless visit to a tea-shop (we're in England after all) leads to a disturbing incident. Back in London, strange events accumulate and Farrell eventually doubts his own sanity.

Through the eyes of the protagonist in this suspenseful and riveting story we witness his gradual mental decline. But being paranoid doesn't mean no one is stalking you! I think I don't give away too much when I tell you that what's obvious isn't always what's true. The story takes an unexpected turn, and then another, and then one more. Or maybe not? But who can you trust? Farrell? The author? This reviewer?

This is a novella of high quality, which clearly belongs to the psych-thriller genre. But you also find – and this is the only small caveat to me – some elements of Sci-Fi. Those elements seem a little factitious. For the most part they are not essential to the story, and could have been left out, without loosing too much.

A recommended read that shows once again: Indie Authors are able to cut it.


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

[Bruce McNair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review relates to Derailed Conscience, which was originally written as a stand-alone story, but became Part 1 of Duality:
What started as a visit to a country town to interview people suddenly turned weird when a tea shop owner poured a pot of hot tea into Jonathan's lap. I was hooked at that moment. More weird events followed. I couldn't help thinking this guy was developing schizophrenia because of the paranoia Jonathan seemed to be experiencing. But there seemed to be more to it than that. The twist at the end was good and filled in the missing pieces of the puzzle. I give this story 4 stars out of 5.

This review relates to Duality, which adds a second part to the above:
Jonathan Farrell stops in a tea shop for a break. After an initial friendly greeting, the owner accuses him of murder. Puzzled by this strange turn, he learns from a local psychiatrist that the tea shop owner is not one of his patients. He returns home and is confronted by a stranger in his mirror. After freaking out and leaving the room, he returns to see his own image in the mirror. He starts to doubt everything. He becomes increasingly paranoid and starts to carry a gun. Inevitably it all ends in disaster. End of Part 1, which was previously published as a standalone story called Derailed Conscience.

Part 2 takes a different tack with Dr Julia Blake, Jonathan’s psychologist employer, being investigated for involvement in the events leading up to his death. Things take a bizarre turn when Jonathan is introduced to Simon, a powerful computer, who asks Jonathan to help kill Dr Blake. Around the same time, Julia Blake is asked to kill Jonathan to enable her handlers to gain access to Simon. It seems that they are all players inside a computer program like in The Matrix movies. But then it becomes more complicated - can he extract himself from this situation or will he find himself in another reality? I found myself wondering where this was going and could I suspend disbelief to the point that the events in the story made sense. Thankfully, the conclusion resolved things neatly if a little too quickly. I feel the writing in this part was not up to the standard set in the first part. But I feel the combined story is still worth 4 stars out of 5.

[Liquid Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short - it is in the same vein as The Twilight Zone. I wasn't sure where it was headed and I enjoyed the journey. It has a small cast, and with the action and events unfolding, I plowed through the book quickly.

Jonathan (NOT Jon) the protagonist is a psychologist assistant to Dr. Blake. He has a twin brother that dabbles in drugs and crime (and jail), an over-bearing mother and a smoking-hot girlfriend. He appears to be a rather normal young professional starting his career. That is, until unexplained outbursts from strangers and a unique mirror that shows him something he can't understand starts to fray his nerves.

The tale takes you on a path of discovery - What is going on? Is Jonathan going mad? Who is following him? Perhaps a tale of mistaken identity? You really won't know until you finish the book and I won't give anything away in this short review.

I have read one of Green's earlier works and found it entertaining and rated it three or four stars. This book was much more entertaining and interesting. No, I really enjoyed it. The only reason why I'm knocking a star off - the ending was way too abrupt and a cliff-hanger. Perhaps if things didn't' wrap up so quickly, the cliff-hanger part wouldn't bother me so much. The author emailed me a copy of her book for an unbiased review.

[Ayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young man sent on assignment walks into a cafe where all hell breaks loses,he was only trying to get out of the rain. From there on his life just spirals out of control. His girlfriend Alice is an annoyance he puts up with because of the sexual stimulation she provides. His parents loving but intrusive. His "twin" brother Eddie a drug addicted criminal. And lastly his flustered but organized psychologist boss. All watch and take part in his descent in delusion. Who is the man In the mirror and what is he saying?
A very intriguing and engrossing story. Writing is truly phenomenal, the plot is set up right from the start and the reader is drawn into the story. I do hope that there is a sequel I would like to know what happens next and more about Simon. Eliza Green has written a fascinating story about how the mind can be tricked into perceiving the most dreadful things,and how fine the line that exists between reality and insanity is.

[CHERI]

Impressive step away from Eliza Green's Exilon 5 series.

Eliza Green's foray into the psychological thriller genre is impressive, especially with the added touch of scifi. I really had no idea how she was going to explain what was going on with the main character. But the twist revealed in the last couple of pages brought me to the "ah ha!" place.

The story engaged me very quickly. It would be interesting to see if Ms. Green has another installment to come (of this story). If so, it could be titled, "Simon says".

You'll have to read Derailed Conscience to understand that!

[Mary Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did NOT see that coming! The Exilon 5 Series is what got me hooked on Eliza Green, but I think Duality is even better! What a great read! It’s also always a pleasure to read a book that’s not only well-written, but well-edited! I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys dystopian/sf or similar genres. 4.6/5🌟

[Keyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza Green is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I loved her Exilon 5 series and this short story did not disappoint. Can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

[S.L. Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derailed Conscience is a standalone novella, a short quick read set in coming-day Britain about Jonathan, a research assistant to a psychologist, Kathryn Blake, who has her sights set on being a name that is dropped, known as a superstar psychologist. Without their knowledge, Blake uses her patients and Jonathan to further her career at her patient's and Jonathan's expense by altering their reality to test out certain theories and achieve breakthroughs that will garner her accolades and prestige among her colleagues.

Derailed Conscience is also a short and insightful look at the symptoms, causes and debilitating effects of schizophrenia that can lead individuals who otherwise seem to be muddled, confused to becoming a danger to themselves and others as their conditions worsens.

Derailed Conscience is now a part of Duality by Eliza Green and no longer appears under the former title.

[Terry L Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got this novella this morning, and I read it all before noon. Not because I'm a speed reader ( I am ) but because I was enthralled by this book. It had me from the get-
go. I don't want to spoil the read for anyone else, but I will say I loved the ending....?.....and I look forward to reading any sequel that might come along. I just wish I had money to buy books (I'm currently stuck in a rehab/nursinghome - lots of time to read, but only a little bit of money each month to spend). No worries, I'll gladly spend what I've got on Eliza Green's books.

[Tom Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into the book at first but once it grabbed my attention I could not put it down. In the first half the main character Jonathan seems to be mentally unstable. It is not until the second half of the book that you find out what is really going on.
Duality is a well written book, remenicent of the Matrix, that makes you think about your own reality. I have read all of Eliza's books and this was a much different type of story. She stepped out of her standard science fiction and did a excellent job.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is quite scary because it is also a possible future. Psychology seems to attract some strange practitioners. Dr. Blake is definitely one of them. The characters in this book are varied and well crafted. It was like reading a story set in the twilight zone and it was fun. Can our future really be like this story? Be sure to read it so you will be ready. Ready for what? That is the question…..

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can is WOW! Not what I expected. Living a life within a life within life. Eliza Green's Duality was an excellent book that I didn't want to end, but what an ending. Many twist and turns in this book and I highly recommend it.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher

[Gis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Duality, the story is interesting enough with an exciting plot with crime and sci fi stuff. The only thing that I just couldnt relate is just the part when I started thinking about the Matrix..

[Paul Cope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Your never quite sure what is happening

Started to get bored reading when getting towards half way when it took of and I couldn't put it down till I finished it. You know the story is leading some where but not sure where till the end.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book read like an episode of The Twilight Zone. Captivating read.

[Ciayrra The Scorpion Flower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Main character Jonathan seeks help from a psychologist who he happens to Work with. Everything goes downhill for him afterwards. This was a very good book, because it kept you guessing.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

The possibility of this happening in our day is becoming more of a reality than most of us think. Love this author and her books!

[Christopher E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept. Rushed ending I wasn’t a big fan of. Could have stretched that out a bit with how interesting the concept was.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

 "Towards the pit of darkness and the next station.", 

How well can we trust ourselves when our everyday life is interrupted by bizarre incidents which seem to threaten our very hold onto reality? How can we determine our own sanity? Jonathan is living a humdrum life as the assistant to a London based psychologist but is disconcerted by an accusation of murder when visiting Spelling, a small town in Hampshire. As more strange events occur, he spirals into paranoia - is he going crazy or is someone, somehow, out to get him? And why?
Set in a slightly futuristic but familiar world, Ms.Green's short novella, told from the protagonist's viewpoint, is atmospheric and (mostly) well written. It also raises interesting questions on, amongst others, the nature of self. Recommended

[A.B. Shepherd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like psychological thrillers and books that give you a glimpse into "crazy".

Jonathon is a research assistant for a psychologist, and on a trip to interview a psychiatrist for his research he experiences a strange incident with the owner of a local tea house. Was that man crazy? Or is Jonathon? Further experiences render Jonathon paranoid and on the verge of a breakdown. What is happening to him and why?

I kind of suspected a couple of the twists, though they were still satisfying, but I felt the ending needed just a little more explanation.

[Jim Kratzok · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. So here it is. This story was OK. It had some good ideas but nothing really new or earth shattering. It read well. I don't have overwhelming praise for it because I found it underwhelming.