Hollow Voices by Michelle Corbier
Murder is Relieving author Michelle Corbier gifts readers with a gripping tale that explores the complex state of the human psyche in Hollow Voices. With a broad canvas of emotional turmoil and an ingeniously interwoven storyline, Corbier takes readers on a riveting journey into the shattered existence of Dr. Julia Toussaint, a pediatrician who finds herself teetering on the brink of darkness after enduring a succession of heart-wrenching losses.
Julia’s life is marred by profound sorrow when cancer has claimed her husband’s life. But that was just the beginning because years later, she also loses her son, Evens, in a heartless hit-and-run incident. This leaves Julia to grapple with her grief and self-blaming questions that torment her every day: “Why did the people I love die? Was I the problem? Why could I help others but not my family?” These haunting inquiries gnaw at her as the weight of sorrow and guilt — over what she believes is her inability to save the ones closest to her heart — bear down on her every waking second.
The Haunting Power of Grief
Compounding anguish and sadness, Julia harbors a dark fantasy — a desire for vengeance against the reckless driver who had taken her son’s life. Thankfully, she discusses these “urges” with her therapist, Dr. Griffith. But Julia catches Dr. Griffith in a lie. With her trust shattered, Julia abruptly halts her psychiatric treatment, determined to navigate the turbulent waters of her mind alone.
In hopes that a change of scenery will aid her mental health, Julia resigns as Chief of Pediatrics in Goleta and transfers to a different medical center in San Marguerite. Her easy-going personality and resilient nature allow her to adapt to her new surroundings, and she looks forward to her healing journey. However, the past soon catches up with her as distorted memories of a disturbing event haunt her frequently.
Julia’s quest for healing is also thwarted by three formidable adversaries: Detective Pruitt, a corrupt cop who views Julia as a prime suspect in a suicide case; her boss, Ken, who undermines her medical expertise and subjects a colleague to bullying; and a drug-addicted and neglectful mother whose child tugs at Julia’s still-grieving heart.
Gripping Story with Complexity & Depth
One of the best features of Hollow Voices is its remarkable character development. Corbier’s characters are multifaceted, breathing life and authenticity into the story, from the complex primary character, Julia, to the intricately drawn secondary characters and even minor ones like the rescue dog.
One of the significant contributors to the complexity and depth of this story — and my favorite antagonist character — is Ken Brady. Ken’s presence not only contributes to the overall tension and conflict within the plot but also underscores essential themes that resonate with readers personally. His unkind and bullying behavior towards April, Julia’s friend and colleague, immediately sets the stage for a power dynamic fraught with injustice and moral dilemmas.
Ken’s vindictive actions, driven by a desire to retaliate against April, create a palpable sense of tension and hostility in the workplace. Readers can relate to the experience of facing mistreatment in their workplace, and Ken’s character exemplifies the type of antagonist who makes everyone’s blood boil.
Justice & Vengeance, Guilt & Innocence
In addition, Ken’s presence also serves as a foil to Julia’s character. While Julia embodies principles of fairness and empathy, Ken represents the darker aspects of human nature, like cruelty, apathy and vindictiveness. This sharp contrast between their characters highlights Julia’s moral dilemmas throughout the narrative, forcing her to confront the complexities of right and wrong, justice and revenge.
Corbier demonstrates her extraordinary talent as a novelist by employing a first-person point of view that brings the reader into Julia’s troubled mind. The author’s knack for crafting an intriguing plot is evident as she delivers palpable tension in every chapter. I was deeply moved by Julia’s sorrow and equally intrigued by her guilt-or-innocence dilemma, which remained a mystery until the final pages.
Hollow Voices is a five-star book because of its well-rounded characters, exciting storyline and sophisticated narrative style. Readers of mysteries and thrillers will enjoy this psychological tale.
About Michelle Corbier:
Born in Illinois, Michelle Corbier attended undergraduate school at the University of California Santa Cruz, and medical school at Michigan State University. After over twenty-five years in clinical medicine, she accepted a position as a medical consultant. A member of Crime Writers of Color, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, and Sisters in Crime, her writing interests cover many genres — mystery, paranormal, thrillers and suspense. When not reading or writing, she can be found outside gardening or bicycling.
