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Cal Henderson #1
The Survivors
Successful psychologist Cal Henderson has a busy practice in Washington, DC, good friends, and big plans for the future. But he can’t escape a terrible secret. When he was a boy, his mother murdered his father and two brothers and severely wounded Cal’s best friend, Scottie Glass. Desperate to keep the nightmare at bay, Cal has turned his back on everything that happened that night.
Then on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the traumatic event, Scottie shows up at Cal’s office—edgy, paranoid, but somehow still the loveable kid he once was. Though their lives have taken very different paths, they both believe Cal’s mother couldn’t have been a murderer. She loved them too much, no matter what dark place she found herself in. They set off to dig up the real story.
In his search for answers he uncovers secrets about his mother’s life involving a defense contractor’s dark dealings, a nominee for U.S. Attorney with a questionable past, and a shady corporate billionaire whose sphere of influence seems to include everyone from the Pentagon on down.
Meanwhile, as Cal gets closer to discovering the truth, recovered memories of his childhood push him into a psychological tailspin.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Then on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the traumatic event, Scottie shows up at Cal’s office—edgy, paranoid, but somehow still the loveable kid he once was. Though their lives have taken very different paths, they both believe Cal’s mother couldn’t have been a murderer. She loved them too much, no matter what dark place she found herself in. They set off to dig up the real story.
In his search for answers he uncovers secrets about his mother’s life involving a defense contractor’s dark dealings, a nominee for U.S. Attorney with a questionable past, and a shady corporate billionaire whose sphere of influence seems to include everyone from the Pentagon on down.
Meanwhile, as Cal gets closer to discovering the truth, recovered memories of his childhood push him into a psychological tailspin.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
317 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2015
69 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Robert Palmer
2 books11 followersRobert Palmer is a practicing lawyer in Washington, DC, a professorial lecturer at George Washington University School of Law, and an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center.
Photography credit: Dave Scavone (Scavone Photography)
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Photography credit: Dave Scavone (Scavone Photography)
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 20, 2015
The beginning of the book started out good. I was very intrigued by the tragic night and Cal and his best friend, Scottie's survival. Just like them I wanted to learn the truth about that fatal night. I kept reading along with a semi-interest. My intrigue from before had quickly disappeared. Yet, I kept reading as I wanted to learn the truth. However, there seemed something off about Scottie and other truths as Cal went looking. It frustrated me that Cal hardly reacted to anything, even when he sensed things were not right. Eventually he did start to show emotion but by than I was so over this book at chapter 22. Plus, the story was very monotone.
October 16, 2018
I enjoyed this but the ending left me a little flat. The characters were done so well especially Scottie. I will have to try another from this author I think
April 23, 2018
Not terrible, though riddled with dated (nearly antiquated) sexist overtones. The way the author wrote about the lead character's assistant made me queasy at times and outright disgusted at others. An assistant who is smart and sassy - no weak and needy - no, wears a mini skirt and stilettos to the office? Gross. Is this for the reader or for the author?
The beginning hooks you, but the rest is a slowly declining arch. Entertaining enough.
The beginning hooks you, but the rest is a slowly declining arch. Entertaining enough.
January 28, 2025
cal’s blackout episodes were wack. didn’t like scottie’s vibe at all. jamie was nice, but what fbi agent would act the way she did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2015
The Survivors started off when Davie's mother shot his entire family, herself, and his friend Scottie. Under a new moniker, Cal Henderson, Davie rebuilt his life and became a psychologist. Then, one day, Scottie showed up at Cal's office and revealed a conspiracy surrounding his mother's actions that made Cal doubt everything he thought he knew about that horrible day.
Scottie was an odd and neurotic character who pushed much of the action through impulsive decisions. It took a while for Cal to warm up to Scottie, but once he did, I enjoyed the flashbacks to when they were childhood friends. Cal was portrayed as a decent man who was spurred to revisit his mother's actions, but next to Scottie's erratic behavior, Cal seemed a little bland. I didn't see any admirable traits to make Cal an exceptionally heroic character, and I wished I had. Call me a romantic, but I wanted a relationship to develop between Cal and FBI agent Jamie. She was spunky, but approached her job with honesty and integrity. I appreciated that her character was more than just a stereotypical tough FBI agent who spoke in cop talk.
The murderous plot was revealed through quick conversations with a slew of D.C. businessmen who weren't afraid to use dirty tricks to get ahead. Information was provided, but it wasn't immediately helpful to solving the crime. Instead, Cal and Scottie collected pieces of the puzzle and had to put them together themselves. This was a well-paced mystery/ thriller that used memory and hypnosis to uncover past memories that could reveal the truth. I really liked that Cal's education were useful to uncovering past memories, and this emphasis bolstered the plot in an original way. The writing was descriptive and factual, and perfect for this type of novel.
I am grateful to the author for sending me a copy of his novel, and am already looking forward to reading the next installment of the Cal Henderson series.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
or follow me on twitter at @dana_heyde
Scottie was an odd and neurotic character who pushed much of the action through impulsive decisions. It took a while for Cal to warm up to Scottie, but once he did, I enjoyed the flashbacks to when they were childhood friends. Cal was portrayed as a decent man who was spurred to revisit his mother's actions, but next to Scottie's erratic behavior, Cal seemed a little bland. I didn't see any admirable traits to make Cal an exceptionally heroic character, and I wished I had. Call me a romantic, but I wanted a relationship to develop between Cal and FBI agent Jamie. She was spunky, but approached her job with honesty and integrity. I appreciated that her character was more than just a stereotypical tough FBI agent who spoke in cop talk.
The murderous plot was revealed through quick conversations with a slew of D.C. businessmen who weren't afraid to use dirty tricks to get ahead. Information was provided, but it wasn't immediately helpful to solving the crime. Instead, Cal and Scottie collected pieces of the puzzle and had to put them together themselves. This was a well-paced mystery/ thriller that used memory and hypnosis to uncover past memories that could reveal the truth. I really liked that Cal's education were useful to uncovering past memories, and this emphasis bolstered the plot in an original way. The writing was descriptive and factual, and perfect for this type of novel.
I am grateful to the author for sending me a copy of his novel, and am already looking forward to reading the next installment of the Cal Henderson series.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
or follow me on twitter at @dana_heyde
July 7, 2016
I have to confess, I had high hopes for this book. The premise is fascinating: a mother shoots two of her three children, a visiting friend of her children, her husband and then herself. One child survives untouched physically but emotionally scarred. The visiting friend survives the shooting.
Fast forward twenty five years. The visiting friend, Scottie, shows up at Cal (the surviving child's) office. Cal is now a successful psychologist in Washington D.C. Scottie is odd – a result of surviving the serious shooting, incurring severe physical, mental and emotional damage but with a burning desire to understand more fully what happened the night he was shot.
From here on out, the flaws made themselves known. Cal, who went through this tragedy, is oddly emotionally vacant. At most, he starts having these weird little blackouts. He's a psychologist and he hasn't gone through serious psychotherapy? Well, he does have a counselor/friend who he calls on informally to talk him off the proverbial ledge from time to time.
Scottie? Too weird to stay at home. Too weird to stay with Cal. But not too weird to dump at his counselor/friends house with barely and introduction. And so it goes as they try to unravel the mystery of what happened.
At some point, about ¾ of the way through the book, the whole thing turns into a sloppy mess. Quick wind ups of some things, lots left unexplained and this is the first book in what is going to be a series of mysteries? Thrillers? All involving Cal and....his counselor? Scottie? I stuck with it but after a pretty solid run on some good books, I was left wanting.
Fast forward twenty five years. The visiting friend, Scottie, shows up at Cal (the surviving child's) office. Cal is now a successful psychologist in Washington D.C. Scottie is odd – a result of surviving the serious shooting, incurring severe physical, mental and emotional damage but with a burning desire to understand more fully what happened the night he was shot.
From here on out, the flaws made themselves known. Cal, who went through this tragedy, is oddly emotionally vacant. At most, he starts having these weird little blackouts. He's a psychologist and he hasn't gone through serious psychotherapy? Well, he does have a counselor/friend who he calls on informally to talk him off the proverbial ledge from time to time.
Scottie? Too weird to stay at home. Too weird to stay with Cal. But not too weird to dump at his counselor/friends house with barely and introduction. And so it goes as they try to unravel the mystery of what happened.
At some point, about ¾ of the way through the book, the whole thing turns into a sloppy mess. Quick wind ups of some things, lots left unexplained and this is the first book in what is going to be a series of mysteries? Thrillers? All involving Cal and....his counselor? Scottie? I stuck with it but after a pretty solid run on some good books, I was left wanting.
July 21, 2016
Psychologist Cal Henderson buries his life in his personal life. Constantly he mentors patients about opening up so they can reveal what they have been hiding all their life. However he cannot take his own advice, when his best friend Scottie Class shows up unannounced. Years ago has passed since the last time he saw him, before he was shot by his mother who murdered his father while his two brothers were wounded. Leaving the past behind, he is not willing to confront what happened the night his mother committed suicide.
Scottie wants to reflect back on that night, thinking that he would clues on what led to her demise. On the other hand, Cal does not want to remember that horrific night. Scottie will not go down without a fight, certain that he is going to find out the details of what transpired. Cal to his dismay grows more curious about what happened, then the two of them search clues on what happened. Meddling Scottie continues to be counseled by Cal but his erratic behavior leads to a police investigation.
This was a very hard novel to rate, it was not really a thriller. Usually I am very picky with novels that are labeled as thrillers, yet the one thing that saved the harsh rating was the characterization. Scottie was a sympathetic character who I really related too, all of the things that happened to him was very heartbreaking. I also love the dialogue between Cal and his patients, some of the patients were hilarious and empathetic.
I skimmed pages that was irrelevant or inconsistent, but I do plan on to read more novels by Palmer.
Scottie wants to reflect back on that night, thinking that he would clues on what led to her demise. On the other hand, Cal does not want to remember that horrific night. Scottie will not go down without a fight, certain that he is going to find out the details of what transpired. Cal to his dismay grows more curious about what happened, then the two of them search clues on what happened. Meddling Scottie continues to be counseled by Cal but his erratic behavior leads to a police investigation.
This was a very hard novel to rate, it was not really a thriller. Usually I am very picky with novels that are labeled as thrillers, yet the one thing that saved the harsh rating was the characterization. Scottie was a sympathetic character who I really related too, all of the things that happened to him was very heartbreaking. I also love the dialogue between Cal and his patients, some of the patients were hilarious and empathetic.
I skimmed pages that was irrelevant or inconsistent, but I do plan on to read more novels by Palmer.
October 11, 2015
Survivors Robert Palmer
The Survivors penned by talented Robert Palmer is an awesome thriller. Mr. Palmer creates a story loaded with all the the critical story elements keenly developed with an eye on the tiniest detail. As a reader, I felt the pulse and deep inhalation and exhalation of breath the characters processed throughout this amazingly, grab you by the collar novel. I felt as though I were present in every scene throughout the story The Survivors. Mr. Palmer rattled my senses with his clear, descriptive verbiage associated with law enforcement personnel and medical professionals. The characters are so well contoured for each segment to fit perfectly as if a illustrious, million dollar designer would create outfits for the First Lady in this exquisitely written narrative of action and intrigue.
Mr. Palmer's settings of the Washington, D.C. Metro area and neighboring suburbs, along with landmarks such as key universities, downtown historical sites of the area hold a strong sense of realism. Mr. Palmer graphic details from the crime scene, to the horrific traffic jams spiced with the depictions of the lifestyles of his dynamic host of characters makes The Survivors a mind-blowing read.
The Survivors penned by talented Robert Palmer is an awesome thriller. Mr. Palmer creates a story loaded with all the the critical story elements keenly developed with an eye on the tiniest detail. As a reader, I felt the pulse and deep inhalation and exhalation of breath the characters processed throughout this amazingly, grab you by the collar novel. I felt as though I were present in every scene throughout the story The Survivors. Mr. Palmer rattled my senses with his clear, descriptive verbiage associated with law enforcement personnel and medical professionals. The characters are so well contoured for each segment to fit perfectly as if a illustrious, million dollar designer would create outfits for the First Lady in this exquisitely written narrative of action and intrigue.
Mr. Palmer's settings of the Washington, D.C. Metro area and neighboring suburbs, along with landmarks such as key universities, downtown historical sites of the area hold a strong sense of realism. Mr. Palmer graphic details from the crime scene, to the horrific traffic jams spiced with the depictions of the lifestyles of his dynamic host of characters makes The Survivors a mind-blowing read.
October 15, 2015
I'm really excited about this new series. The description alone grabbed me ... a psychologist main character with an interesting backstory (which is really explored heavily in this first in the series) that takes place in the DC area. So intriguing to me!
And, luckily, it's a really good start to the series. I really found the story engaging, the characters well drawn and the narrative arc to be successful. I think Cal (the psychologist) is a fascinating character and I can't wait to get to know him better. The secondary characters were quite well drawn and I found myself intrigued and eager to see where they go in the future!
I really enjoyed this one and I look forward to seeing what Robert Palmer has in store for us in the future! I highly recommend to fans of mystery/thriller type novels. I think this series has a lot of promise. I think it would be extra fun for those familiar with the DC area as I felt like an insider since I could see many of the places in my mind.
Note: I received this e-galley from the publisher for an honest review.
And, luckily, it's a really good start to the series. I really found the story engaging, the characters well drawn and the narrative arc to be successful. I think Cal (the psychologist) is a fascinating character and I can't wait to get to know him better. The secondary characters were quite well drawn and I found myself intrigued and eager to see where they go in the future!
I really enjoyed this one and I look forward to seeing what Robert Palmer has in store for us in the future! I highly recommend to fans of mystery/thriller type novels. I think this series has a lot of promise. I think it would be extra fun for those familiar with the DC area as I felt like an insider since I could see many of the places in my mind.
Note: I received this e-galley from the publisher for an honest review.
October 22, 2015
Psychologist Cal Henderson helps people with their problems but he has had problems of his own for 25 years. His mother shot his father, two brothers, a best friend, and then herself. Cal witnessed her suicide but repressed the memories because thinking of the awful situation causes him to have blackouts. Scottie, his childhood friend who was shot but lived, tracks Cal down with suspicions about the killings. He does not believe Cal's mother could commit such a crime. Cal is visited by the FBI who are trying to locate Scottie with their own questions. Cal and Scottie begin visiting and questioning everyone close to Cal's mother because part of the evidence doesn't make sense. Cal must confront the memories that have sent him into a downward spiral in the past.
I give the author credit for keeping me interested in the 25 year old shooting. I also did not want to believe the mother killed most of her family.
I give the author credit for keeping me interested in the 25 year old shooting. I also did not want to believe the mother killed most of her family.
September 6, 2015
Thanks Goodreads for the free book I won, The Survivors by Robert Palmer. The book was very interesting with great character development. I read the book in a couple of days so it definitely kept me engrossed. The only negative is that some of the situations were very hard to believe and didn't seem to have a ring of truth. But overall I did enjoy this book very much.
March 21, 2019
The premise of this book intrigued me, but the characters weren’t strong enough to carry my interest to the end. I finished the book because I wanted to see where the storyline was going, but I really had to push myself to continue.
There secondary character, Scottie, was the most interesting. There were too many potential villains.
There secondary character, Scottie, was the most interesting. There were too many potential villains.
March 14, 2017
Overall I liked the novel. Interesting storyline- however it wasn't as gripping as I would have liked it to be. I also had a little trouble keeping ball the secondary characters straight. Good summer read - just not my favorite.
March 5, 2019
While the characters are interesting, and the search for truth is riveting, sometimes the development of a random character or a plot twist feels like an “Oh look! Squirrel!” moment; a lot of time invested in somebody or something that really isn’t germane to the story.
March 5, 2016
A good page turner, very inside DC but I enjoyed the psychology of the book
March 16, 2018
was okay. kept going around the same information. felt like was just blathering to get the page count up to 300 range. will not read any more of his books.
November 29, 2020
Like many other reviewers--
I enjoyed "The Survivors" but felt like the book got less exciting as it progressed. The opening sequence really packed a punch, and honestly I could vision this book being a great movie. But as the story progressed, everything just felt more casual.
If Cal was just a regular guy, I felt like he handled a lot of conversations with these important people too calmly. Like he seemed like he had been having these heavy business deals with the FBI and other dangerous people like a spy! And if he had cut off all of this information from his childhood-- I just felt like he would have experienced more emotions at seeing and dealing with Scottie and seeing this fresh information. The blackouts were realistic, but there could have been a little more depth.
Honestly, I did really enjoy the idea of this story but if I was queen of everything-- I would have arranged this story differently. It could have been a series of books-- starting with life in Cal's household as a child and the buildup to his mother's death-- then the second book being the mysteries of why she did it.
But alas, I am not queen of everything! I think this would be a great movie. It's fun, but not my favorite book ever.
I enjoyed "The Survivors" but felt like the book got less exciting as it progressed. The opening sequence really packed a punch, and honestly I could vision this book being a great movie. But as the story progressed, everything just felt more casual.
If Cal was just a regular guy, I felt like he handled a lot of conversations with these important people too calmly. Like he seemed like he had been having these heavy business deals with the FBI and other dangerous people like a spy! And if he had cut off all of this information from his childhood-- I just felt like he would have experienced more emotions at seeing and dealing with Scottie and seeing this fresh information. The blackouts were realistic, but there could have been a little more depth.
Honestly, I did really enjoy the idea of this story but if I was queen of everything-- I would have arranged this story differently. It could have been a series of books-- starting with life in Cal's household as a child and the buildup to his mother's death-- then the second book being the mysteries of why she did it.
But alas, I am not queen of everything! I think this would be a great movie. It's fun, but not my favorite book ever.
October 20, 2016
I actually bought this book by mistake thinking I was purchasing a Daniel Palmer novel - oh well! I enjoyed it. I can't say it was my favorite mystery ever, but I liked the characters. It had me going! Did Denise Oakes commit the dreadful murder-suicide? - if she did, we wouldn't have a story...or would we? My favorite character is DEFINITELY Scottie, the young neighbor who survives the shooting. Where does that guy work anyway? I think THAT'S the biggest mystery, not the whole murder/suicide. My BIGGEST qualm with this book was when Cal (our protagonist) says, "I could care less." I know, not a HUGE problem, but c'mon, Cal! If you COULD care less that means you care! Anyway. Good read. Not sure I'll finish them though. Not intrigued enough.
January 19, 2021
This book disappointed me because it had a recommendation by Gabaldon. A mother is accused of shooting herself, husband and kids. Son who was playing hide n seek spared and grew up to be a psychologist. Apparently he is going to have more books about him too. He can't believe his mother would do this and set out to prove it. Rather complicated with friend who was in the house at the time and wounded helping.
January 18, 2023
Wow. This book started off with so much promise! But then it lost me. The author chose to switch from first to third person which is not my preferred reading preference, and then SO many characters were introduced! I found the characters to be stereotypical and flat, and the "mystery" could have been resolved sooner than it was. This story was tough to finish, and seemed to leave a lot of loose ends.
April 25, 2018
Can’t finish it. The author is trying WAAAAAAAY too hard to drop DC location references. I live in DC and usually reading a book taking place somewhere you’ve lived is fun, but geezus, this is overkill. As far as I’ve gotten, the female FBI agent is so smitten with Cal that she’s blushing and asking if he likes the beach? PUH-LEASE. Sexist and not reAlistic.
March 5, 2019
Intrigue Plus
One of the best books I have ever read. I enjoyed the characters, their dialogue and interactions. The whole book kept me reading into the night. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend this book. I don't know if there is a second book being written, but I hope so because I certainly want it to read.
One of the best books I have ever read. I enjoyed the characters, their dialogue and interactions. The whole book kept me reading into the night. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend this book. I don't know if there is a second book being written, but I hope so because I certainly want it to read.
February 28, 2019
Started out well, I was very interested in what happened that tragic day. Then the book kind of drifted off in another direction....the ending left me still wondering what happened. Not a satisfying read.
May 5, 2019
Hard to follow at the.being
However it is a great story. It looks at Washington how it is and how the system really works when big bucks are involved. Great sociological novel. I do wish the ending was the ending. Can't wait for the. next book
However it is a great story. It looks at Washington how it is and how the system really works when big bucks are involved. Great sociological novel. I do wish the ending was the ending. Can't wait for the. next book
April 2, 2025
I really liked the premise. If Cal hadn’t been so condescending, sexist, and bossy this might have been a tolerable read. Why is everyone in his life - including an FBI agent - letting him boss them around without question? A completely insufferable character.
December 2, 2018
I was very disappointed with the ending. It seemed rushed and incoherent at times. However I enjoyed the characters and the mystery.
June 16, 2019
Interesting concept
July 16, 2019
Didn't finish...
September 18, 2019
Ending too disconnected.
September 21, 2019
Wow! A great story that never stopped.I have found a new author to read.Loved this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews