In Session: Dr. Morgan Snow with Steve Berry's Cotton Malone, Lee Child's Jack Reacher & Barry Eisler's John Rain

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. What a fun concept! I was wondering how M.J.Rose's Dr. Snow would interact with these different characters from three different authors, but it is done very well and I'll bet it was a blast for her and the other authors to do. I wonder now if these authors will ever get together again to continue these stories from time to time?If I had one criticism, it would be that the price was a little steep for such a short collection. I'd have preferred something in the 99 cents area rather than anything more. Otherwise, a good read done very well.

It was Diana Gabaldon's collaboration with Steve Berry in Past Prologue that introduced me to Cotton Malone. Enjoying that series led me to wonder about Berry's work with MJ Rose on the Cassiopeia Vitt books, altho I haven't read any of those yet. Being a retired therapist myself, when I stumbled on In Session this afternoon, it was practically required reading, even though I am completely unfamiliar with John Rain and Jack Reacher.I don't know if the Dr Snow and Jack Reacher story is out of character for the Reacher character. I did love the very creative idea for this story, which does read like a true collaborative writing effort. As frightening as such a premise is to contemplate, the interplay of Snow and Reacher, and the story within the story are enjoyable and fun.I also had no expectations of Dr Snow and John Rain, and whether it was true to Rain's usual persona. This was the scariest of the 3 stories to me initially because bad things do happen to therapists by upset spouses of their clients. I was relieved by the tender and unexpected -- possibly unrealistic? -- resolution of this story and will likely venture into Eisler's books at some point if only to see if this story was a big anomaly for the Rain character.Writing as a therapist, I have to say that the extracurricular actions Snow takes with Rain and Cotton Malone exceed the limits of professional ethics. While her choice in seeking out Rain may be justifiable, I cringed at her beyond boundaries intervention with Malone. As much as I love Steve Berry's character, the Extenuating Circumstances story doesn't ring true for me to the Cotton Malone he has established. But if I didn't know better as a therapist, and didn't already have 8 Cotton books read in my library, I probably would have enjoyed this story much better. It is well crafted and does show how therapists can get even the most reluctant client to divulge painful information.

MJ Rose's latest offering, "In Session" is a compilation of three short stories depicting encounters between Dr. Morgan Snow and three of the most complicated and controversial lead characters in today's popular serial thrillers...Steve Berry's Cotton Malone, Lee Child's Jack Reacher and Barry Eisler's John Rain. In one there is a contrived encounter to assist a patient with a communication issue between the patient and her lover. In another, a clandestine meeting is arranged by a patient at the Dr.'s request.This has more to do with Morgan's moral dilemma than revealing any insight into the character' erotic behavior. The final story has a crises at the Butterfield Institute allowing Dr. Snow to have a revealing conversation with the third man.In theory the book has an interesting premise - renowned sex therapist analyzing three of the most sexually complicated men in thrillers today. Sad to say it falls short. The individual plot lines are interesting and read well. But the actual knowledge the reader gains about the characters runs short. We do learn a secret in Cotton's past and share a memory of a sexual encounter with Jack. The plot is deeper and more intricate in the Rain encounter, however we learn absolutely nothing new about him.I would have appreciated more shared insight from Dr. Snow. A little more clinical analysis into the deviant and devious sex drives of these men would have made for a more interesting read.(And a lot more fun to know).In all the book reads well, and does take Dr. Snow out of the office and into unique situations. Is more like 'the adventures of Morgan' than deep understanding into Mallone, Rain and Reacher. To her credit, MJ Rose at the end of the book discusses the "Wish You Well Foundation"; an organization that combats illiteracy in the USA.I give it 3 stars, not for what it promised but for what it is... an enjoyable, quick afternoon read.

I love stories like the ones in this book. I loved the set up the concept everything. Stories like this keep you guessing from beginning to end.

The problem I have with this book is that the stories are to short. I recognize that they almost have to be in this format but I would like longer more developed stories.

It was brief, but I made sure I realized that before I bought it. Reading a couple of my favorite characters from another perspective was pretty cool. I then had to get one of each of the Cotton Malone and Morgan Snow books, to check them out.It wasn't the best read ever, probably due to the brevity, but it was good enough to pique my interest, and I didn't feel Reacher or Rain were done injustice or stretched too far from their base characters.It was easier to justify the brevity, based on the unlikelihood of the characters seeking therapy, than it was to justify the coincidental arrival of Reacher. But then again, every Reacher book contains an awfully coincidental arrival of Reacher, so that was not too huge a stretch.

I had hoped to see another side of Reacher but this was a different - and admittedly weaker by comparison - character all together. The plot was thin, it showed none of Reacher's measured observation book, and anyone who has read a Reacher book knows he doesn't go by Jack.

Loved the concept and the varied takes on different characters.Therapy and insight is 2ided street in this grouping of stories. Liked central character and always enjoy the various protagonists selected for inclusion.As believable as the premise of the "heroes" whose minds and motives are dissected.

Brilliant captivating read had me hooked from the beginning - well written and well worth the 5 stars from me

Discovered M J Rose a few months ago, courtesy of Steve Berry, and found her work really puts a different, sexy, spin on crime thrillers. To see two of my favourite characters, Steve Berry's Cotton Malone and Lee Child's Jack Reacher was a real delight. Also made me note that I should find out more about Barry Eisler's John Rain! Great fun and hope to hear more established character's given the same Dr Morgan Snow's Sex Therapist Treatment. How about Chris Kuzneski's Payne and Jones, for a start???

Really interesting to read a character you know well written by someone else. This short book is good fun and visits a few different locations. I wasn't familiar with all the characters so now have some books to buy! For a good cause too.

Good book, not her best unfortunately- maybe expected more particularly from the huge characters involved (Reacher, Rain, Malone). Still great writing though.

Really enjoyed the different storyline in this, never read a book on a sex therapist before and the mystery and exciting story throughout was great. Love the series