X is for Lutz. What?

Yes, you read correctly, X is for Lutz. I ran into a bit of a predicament when it came to choosing a novel to represent the letter X. In our library system, there is not a single fiction product by an author whose last name begins with X. I considered reading the "Autobiography of Malcolm X," but it broke two of my rules for this project: I'd already read it and it is not fiction. So, I just broke one rule instead. The author of my X book does not have X anywhere in his name. The title of the book however says it all. For my X book, I chose, "The Ex" by John Lutz.

During this alphabetic journey, I've read some very thought provoking novels. This was not one of them. "The Ex" is pure psycho-thriller, though not a great psycho-thriller. It did move quickly and it did put a bit of a scare in me from time to time.

David Jones had moved to NYC to start over after an ugly divorce. He had a great job, a gorgeous wife and a wonderful young son. All is well until one day he hears her voice. His ex-wife Deidre has "accidentally" run into him in the city. What he doesn't know is that Deidre had recently escaped a mental hospital when a tornado tore it apart. She had killed a few people on her way to see David and was not finished with her murder spree. Deirdre has decided she wants David back and nothing and no one will stand in her way.

Lutz wrote the novel on which the creepy movie "Single White Female" was based. If you've seen that one, you know his style in writing creepy women. Well, Deirdre is uber-creepy. Like I said, it's not deep and it's not even that great of a thriller, but it does make the hair stand up on your neck from time to time. Most of Deirdre's biggest acts you see coming well in advance. In fact, everyone can see what Deirdre is up to, except David. He falls right back into her arms all the while trying to hide the relationship from his wife.

If you are looking for a quick, predictable read, pick this one up. The book cover said there had been a movie produced based on the book, but I never saw it. I'm guessing it was about as good as the novel.