Booklist on Bad Thoughts

A compellingly clever wheels-within-wheels thriller, Zeltserman’s new novel blends genres in a subtle mix that will appeal to both mystery and horror fans. Police detective Bill Shannon’s dreams are being invaded by images of horrific violence, but the source of the intrusion remains shadowed until the harrowing conclusion of the novel, a homage to the Australian Aboriginal concept of “Dreamtime.” The reader will be kept guessing as to whether the psychologically hammered cop is being revisited by his own guilt or whether there’s an outside factor involved in his recurring visions of murdering his own mother. The resolution of the novel clearly indicates the possibility of sequels to come, so if you want to get in on the ground floor, now’s the time. An ingenious plot, skillfully executed. —Elliott Swanson, Booklist