The surprise plot twists in Trust Your Eyes fall into the following categories and numbers: plot twists the reader can see coming, three; twists the reader might, with a little effort, anticipate; five; plot twists that nobody could figure on in a million years, 364. With the book, Barclay emerges as the writer in the thriller business with the most wicked skill at pulling the rug from under his readers.

The plot gets going when a computer nerd, working with a program not unlike Google Earth, spots a murder in progress in New York City. He and his brother investigate, and the surprises commence. And, oh yes, the nerd happens to be a good-hearted schizophrenic.

Some days, all you really want is for someone to tell you a ­wicked-good story...Barclay can’t resist over-­plotting an already complex story, but his propulsive narrative style drives right over these bumps. He’s also shrewd enough to slow down the pace for some credible characterizations...laying the groundwork for the knock-your-socks-off ending.