The Big Chill

The Big Chill is light reading, but packs powerful messages. Although not specifically a psychological thriller, the novel gives the reader plenty to think about in the way of what determines insanity and obsession. Who is more insane? The homeless man who mutters fanciful ideas? Or the seemingly harmless person who harbors a grudge? Who is more likely to contemplate murder? And who is more likely to be blamed? As with her other novels, the author delves into social issues, giving the reader a chance to think differently about pure, hard facts. Sam Smith has to ponder these thoughts while trying to discover who shot her and left her to die. Once again, she mingles with the criminal world to find answers, not accepting the "easy" way out. Along the way, she learns to trust more in her intuition, and she grows in her sense of worth. She has reached a turning point in her life and can give advice to others that until recently she was unable to accept herself: "you are not to blame; the criminal is."