In his first thriller, Sebastian Fitzek demonstrates the brilliance and craft of a well-seasoned master. From the opening page to the last one, "Therapy" is a compelling, tension building page-turner that was an overwhelming success in Germany and has been translated into 22 languages.

Highly respected German psychiatrist Viktor Larenz's 12-year-old daughter, Josy, who had suffered from a mysterious illness, vanishes during a visit to the latest specialist her father has taken her to see. So begins an intricate tale of psychological suspense, as Viktor attempts to answer the questions surrounding Josy's disappearance.

His obsessive quest eventually destroys his marriage, causes him a nervous breakdown and finds him a shattered man locked away in a high-security mental institution.

Four years later, through flashbacks during his therapy, Viktor begins putting the pieces together. He first recalls retreating to a vacation cottage on a North Sea island where he is soon approached by a beautiful woman, Anna Glass, who seeks his professional help. She claims to be a writer of children's books whose characters become real and take over her life.

Judging by her symptoms, which become evident to Viktor, she is suffering from a rare form of schizophrenia. Although his curiosity and sympathy are aroused, Viktor refuses to become involved because of the fragile nature his own mental state.

However, Anna will not take no for an answer and begins repeatedly showing up at his cottage at the oddest times.

Meanwhile, a vicious storm hits the island, isolating it from the mainland. Viktor gets a touch of the flu and has difficulty translating reality from his own disturbed broodings -- with his vivid imagination working overtime -- and the nagging belief that Anna can somehow shed light on Josy's disappearance and her present whereabouts.

Reluctantly, he agrees to treat Anna despite warnings from the island's mayor and fears that he is losing touch with all semblance of rationality.

Twists and turns abound in this sophisticated literary tale.