The big secret in the repressed memories of Dr. Cynthia Mann’s favorite psychiatric patient, supernatural investigator Zach “he can really do magic, for real” Cutter, is revealed in this, the third volume of the initial trilogy. Cynthia and Zach WILL find out what happened to Zach’s old boss Aubrey Lowman. They’ll find out WHY Zach seems so hard to kill these days– and what can actually destroy him. They’ll find out how AND why Zach lost those memories in the first place. Can Zach survive finding out? Can Zach and Cynthia’s relationship survive? The rules and guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association absolutely did NOT prepare Cynthia for anything that she and Zach are about to discover!
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“Having read Books 1 and 2 of The Talking Cure, I was excited to read book three, and it did not disappoint. When reading The Talking Cure series, one learns about many unique aspects of the supernatural, while at the same time enjoying the push-pull interaction between the two key personalities. In Book 3, however, Cynthia begins to unravel the truth. She learns about Zach’s brother, attempts to hypnotize Zach (despite warnings of dire consequences), and faces his continued evasiveness– and the amazing thing about this third book is that the supernatural aspects which are revealed are simultaneously completely unpredictable and yet believable. Even if you have not read the other two books (and you certainly should, for your own enjoyment), this mind-expanding page-turner will transport you into a magical realm.”
–Carol Seufert, Educator
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“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed The Talking Cure Book 3 by Barb Lien-Cooper and Park Cooper, but if I had to single out one chapter that stood above the rest for me– because every chapter of this series is its own short story– it would be ‘Pepper’s Ghost.’
What makes this chapter so enjoyable is how effortlessly it blends paranormal mystery, romantic tension, comedy, and genuine character development into a single story. The relationship between Cynthia and Zach continues to be the beating heart of the series, and ‘Pepper’s Ghost’ may be one of the strongest showcases of their dynamic so far. Their banter feels natural, witty, and endlessly entertaining. Zach’s relentless flirtation paired with Cynthia’s attempts to maintain professional boundaries creates a chemistry that is both funny and surprisingly heartfelt.
I also found myself relating to Cynthia throughout the chapter. Her desire for solitude, her preference for books and quiet moments over forced social gatherings, and her gradual realization that she genuinely enjoys spending time with Zach all felt authentic and human. The story never rushes those emotions. Instead, it allows them to emerge naturally through conversation, shared experiences, and small moments of vulnerability.
The ‘Pepper’s Ghost’ chapter became my favorite chapter in the book. It’s funny, clever, romantic, mysterious, and surprisingly warm. It captures everything that makes The Talking Cure such a compelling series while also standing perfectly on its own as an entertaining supernatural adventure.
Barb Lien-Cooper and Park Cooper . . . crafted a chapter that feels like a paranormal screwball comedy wrapped inside a ghost story, and I loved every minute of it.”
–Michael Stinson, author of the graphic novel BITEMARK
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“At first glance, The Talking Cure might seem to be street-level modern magic stories told via the vehicle of the magic-user talking to his counselor. Throw in the highly-charged emotions passing between the patient and his psychiatric practitioner, and you might expect a nice and tidy story– enjoyable, but low in calories. Instead, however, as you peel back the layers of this series and plumb the depths of the stories, you can see the games that Zach, the lead, is playing. He’s playing games with not just Cynthia, but games with himself. Then again, magic in The Talking Cure is like games of chance, playing everyone who dares to participate.
Yes, it’s a patient trying to process his trauma, trying to get ‘better,’ but his coping mechanisms are now poisonous to him. His behavior is set against him to heal, to move on. This series is, as always, a very subtle tale of magic and the people who try to bend it to their wills, but also it’s much more than that. I would explain more, but I refuse to spoil the terrific twist at the end of this first trilogy– I’ll let you read it for yourself, and find the magic within.”
–David Doub, author of the graphic novel series DUSK, from Rolling Squid Bones Press