Tim had been forced to leave the Marshals Service when he crossed the legal line following the murder of his young daughter. He and his wife Dray, a sheriff’s deputy, are still deep in grief over the loss of their only child. It’s partly his empathy with the Hennings over Leah’s disappearance that convinces him to undertake the investigation. He has acutely felt his separation from the Marshals Service and is relieved to be back even under temporary circumstances.

Tim begins his assignment by investigating cults. He talks with UCLA college professor Glen Bederman to learn more about cults in general. People who join cults are not crazies or sociopaths but normal, functioning people. He meets with two former Program members who have been severely emotionally traumatized by their experience.

When Tim is approached on campus by two young women, he suspects that this may be an entry into The Program. Soon his investigation will take him under cover as Tom Altman, businessman.

This prosaic synopsis lays out the general story line of The Program, but it can’t convey the book’s tension or powerful impact. The information presented by the professor lays out the facts of cults and their membership, but the methodology and appeal of cults are vividly depicted when Tim takes the first steps to join The Program. Tim is at the same time both a strong and vulnerable character. He knows the horrible consequences of association with a cult, but when posing as Tom Altman, he cannot help recalling the awful time of his daughter’s murder and being somewhat seduced by The Program’s approach and its charismatic leader TD. Meanwhile, he and his wife are trying to rebuild their shattered lives.

Tim Rackley was introduced in The Kill Clause, but familiarity with the first book is unnecessary. The Program is a sequel that stands very well on its own. Necessary plot and character background are gradually revealed through Tim’s thoughts and others’ words and actions. Sharp-eyed readers will notice two characters from the author’s Do No Harm in a cameo role in this story. A third Tim Rackley thriller, Troubleshooter, has recently been published.

This is one of those books that suck you in and leave you breathless. The reality of the prevalence of cults may be difficult to believe, but this book furnishes an insight into this largely secret world. Gregg Hurwitz writes gripping thrillers, and his back list is worth looking into. Readers who haven’t yet discovered this talented author’s books are missing out, and The Program is a good place “to get with the program.” This one deserves TMR’s strongest recommendation.

--Lesley Dunlap