The Barnes & Noble Review
With his astoundingly clever debut, Skull Session, Daniel Hecht offers an intelligent novel that is an investigation into the human brain and its dark capacities. Containing elements of romance and mystery, this psychological thriller sweeps readers into a realm of dark logic and holds them in its grip until the very end. Masterful detail, attained through extraordinarily in-depth research, creates an eerie realness in the villain and prompts comparisons of Skull Session with such novels as Gorky Park and The Silence of the Lambs.
Skull Session centers around an abandoned hunting lodge deep in the wooded reaches of the Hudson River valley. Outside all appears tranquil, but inside lies a murderous force, a superhuman violence reflected by the disappearances and deaths that have haunted the area.
Paul Skoglund is hired by his aunt to restore order to the magnificent house. He suffers from Tourette's syndrome, which, despite his brilliant mind, keeps him underemployed and frustrated. In addition to the social hardships he faces because of his handicaps, his ex-wife is using his condition against him to obtain sole custody of their son, Mark.
Paul hasn't seen his wealthy aunt in years, but her 19th-century hunting lodge has been ravaged, and she refuses to allow anyone outside the family to take on the repairs. As Paul and his girlfriend, Lia, start the reconstruction, they can't help but wonder what caused such chaos. Their search for answers takes them to the cutting edge of biomedical research, from the science of genetics toVikinglegends. As they delve deeper into his family's past, Paul must face the darker side of his own nature as he braves the possibility that he may destroy himself in order to save those he loves.
New York Daily News
Emotional. . . .Enticing. . . .A thriller of the mind . . . .Hecht transcends cliche and raises valid and timely questions.
People
Stunning. . . .This stylist thriller reminds us why we're so afraid of the dark — especially the kind that lurks within.
NY Times Book Review
In his accomplished first novel, Daniel Hecht has written a true 'neurological thriller'. . . .A narrative that's populated by believable characters and infused wtih healthy doses of medical science and psychology. Skull Session is a story that keeps the reader guessing till the very end.
author of Déjá Dead Kathy Reichs
A mesmerizing glimpse into the world of psychopathology.”
Sunday Telegraph (London)
Gripping and disturbing.”
Booklist
This 1989 novel, a first-rate mix of horror, suspense, and mystery, holds high listener appeal.”
New York Times Book Review
A narrative that’s populated by believable characters and infused with healthy doses of medical science and psychology. Skull Session is a story that keeps the reader guessing till the very end.”
AudioFile
An impressive debut…Christopher Lane gives a masterful performance. Skoglund’s character is not an easy one to portray, yet Lane does so with intensity and sensitivity. In addition, Lane delivers the other characters with a graceful sense of timing, permitting the reader to remain focused on the many nuances of the novel and its characters.”
Jonathan Kellerman
"Vividly atmospheric, rich with twists and turns."
People Magazine
"Stunning...This stylish thriller reminds us why we're so afraid of the dark-especially the kind that lurks within."
APR/MAY 06 - AudioFile
SKULL SESSION is an impressive debut by former musician Daniel Hecht. Paul Skoglund suffers from Tourette’s syndrome. In need of work, he agrees to repair his wealthy aunt’s mansion, only to discover that in the process he must battle not only his own demons, but also those that inhabit the house. Christopher Lane gives a masterful performance. Skoglund’s character is not an easy one to portray, yet Lane does so with intensity and sensitivity. In addition, Lane delivers the other characters with a graceful sense of timing, permitting the reader to remain focused on the many nuances of the novel and its characters. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
