good mystery @ Alcohol + Drug Clinic

This major novel, written with sophistication and wonderful wit, has some of the flavor of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, as it tells the story of a group of people who meet at a drug-and-alcohol rehabilitation clinic.

Peter Benchley has been one of my favourite authors for years, his books are always so well researched and his enthusiasm for his subject just shines through so well. Best known for his tales of the sea and marine animals I doubt if many people are aware that he has also written two books of a completely different genre. I bought both these a number of years ago (Q Clearance & Rummies - also released as 'Lush') but always put of reading them as I thought there was no way they would be able to captivate me as well as a man eating shark or giant squid. I was very wrong.

Scott Preston is a well educated, high flying editor from New York. Scott likes a drink but doesn't see this as a problem and thinks it is just 'comes with the lifestyle'. However his friends and family have a very different viewpoint. He is bundled off to a therapy centre in the middle of the desert where he meets a whole host of colourful characters.

One of Benchley's major attributes is how well rounded he is able to make his characters and Rummies is no exception, we feel the protagonists need for another drink, we feel his frustration and lack of understanding for the reasons he has been sent into rehab, but most of all be are able to empathise through all stages of his journey from denial to acceptance. Although the novel deals with a very serious subject matter you will find yourself laughing nearly all of the way through as each new 'inmate' is introduced with their own unique problem and personality.

I don't know if Benchley ever suffered for drug or alcohol addiction, but his enthusiasm for the subject shines through every page. If you thought he was a one trick pony that only dealt with sea tales, pick this book up. You will be pleasantly surprised. ( )