Temporarily Insane

D.C. Johnson
Dar J. Publishing (2006)
ISBN 1933556137
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/06)

 

I have thoroughly enjoyed DC Johnson’s first two books in this series, “Camille’s Dilemma” and “A Slice of Life.”  With her third story, she did not let me down.  After reading the first two, I couldn’t wait to get back into Camille’s life.  Each of Johnson’s books stands alone on their own.  You do not have to read the whole series to know what is happening, however, I recommend that you do, because the books are so well written and when you revisit characters that are in her earlier books, it feels like you are seeing an old friend, or in some cases, someone that you would rather not see again!
Anyway, in this story, Camille has tried to move on with her life from her relationship with Billy, who was married to her friend Georgia.  Georgia did not hold Camille responsible for her affair with her husband; she didn’t know he was married.  However, Billy feels that Georgia is holding on to her friendship with Camille to keep a wedge in their marriage.  He is very jealous of Camille and worried that she will start a relationship with his wife.  This creates some major drama in this story. 

Jealousy plays a huge role in two other relationships in this story.  Georgia’s friend Beverly and Camille’s friend Corrine, both learn the devastating consequences of what can go wrong when there is betrayal in a relationship.  Each has to deal with trying to regain control of their lives.  Corrine murdered her ex-girlfriend and claimed it was done in self-defense.  Camille doesn’t really believe that it was self-defense but out of loyalty to Corrine, she supports her with this.  The strength of the friendship between these two women is something to be admired.  If they could only find loving relationships with people that would offer them this kind of loyalty!

“Temporarily Insane” is a juicy tale with something for everyone, love, jealousy, betrayal, revenge, it is all in there!  This would be a fun read for a women’s group. 

 

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (6/06)

Camille Jenkins deepens her friendship with girlfriend Georgia in this third book in the series by D.C. Johnson.  Having given up the deceitful and married boyfriend, Billy, and his unborn child, Camille draws closer to Georgia.  Both find solace in each others arms after some dreams by the ladies unconsciously tell the women they need to be together.  Surprisingly enough, Billy also seeks Camille’s help, for he believes only she can help him win back his wife after having had two affairs.

Camille reunites with another long ago friend when she reacquaints herself with Corrine, a lesbian friend who is having problems with her ex-lesbian lover.  Corrine’s ex-lover, Sheree, has now taken up with Karen, and Corrine finds the whole idea of Sheree and Karen difficult to accept, especially since the relationship occurs under Corrine’s own roof.  After scuffles and struggles, Sheree ends up dying at the hand of a kitchen knife.  Was the stabbing carried out in self-defense, or did Corrine murder Sheree?  Was Corrine temporarily insane when she stabbed Sheree?

“Temporarily Insane” is about Billy’s difficulty with accepting that his wife, Georgia and Camille have now slept together.  Camille is roughed up on more than one occasion at the hands of the jealous husband turned lunatic, Billy.  The story also takes us into the details of Corrine’s trial to decide if she actually committed murder or was only defending herself against her ex-lover, Sheree.  Camille is summoned to court and appears on the witness stand with the intent of helping out her friend, Corrine.  Even the court scenes become a circus at times with some real characters taking the stand and body languages telling their own tales of lust.

If you read and enjoyed “Camille’s Dilemma” and “A Slice of Life,” you will likely want to read “Temporarily Insane.”  I believe the target audience for the whole series is most likely a group of young adults in the 20-35 year range with sexuality issues.

Unfortunately, I found “Temporarily Insane” to be appropriately named, for the whole story is truly insane.  Most of the characters have disturbing personality traits and demented ways of thinking and dealing with conflict.  Infidelities are emphasized at length, and I found this to be distasteful and disgusting.  I regret to say also that the book has numerous grammatical and punctuation errors throughout.  Or, perhaps I received and read an unedited copy?  On the positive, I did like the character of Calvin, Camille’s teenaged son.  He epitomized a normal teenager, but even more refreshingly, he respected, stood up for and protected his mother whenever possible and as best he could.  That is the silver lining of the whole book!

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