A terrorist bombing in midtown Manhattan traps four strangers together in darkness, beginning an unexpected journey of survival friendship and self-discovery in new novel
WESTON, Conn., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What happens when catastrophe brings strangers together — and their connection proves to be anything but accidental? In “The Psychic” (published by Balboa Press), author Deirdre Doran combines human drama, psychic phenomena, spirituality, friendship, and self-discovery in a sweeping story about learning to trust oneself while opening one’s heart to others.
The novel begins with a catastrophic terrorist bombing in midtown Manhattan that leaves dozens trapped in darkness for hours. Of those many victims, four individual women are trapped in the same public restroom where, during the long, frightening ordeal, three must care for one who has been rendered unconscious and bleeding. Pam Baxter, a trained nurse, who has become a practitioner of alternative medical practices, begins to realize that over 10 years ago when, on a whim, she visited a psychic, she was told that she would experience a cataclysmic event that would bring three strangers into her life engendering a mission to accomplish a very important purpose.
As the character’s lives become increasingly intertwined, “The Psychic” moves beyond the initial tragedy to explore its central theme: self-discovery through relationships with people who provide the support needed to find one’s own way. Pam, Christina, Meg and Caroline gradually learn the value of opening their hearts to others, confronting their fears and listening more closely to their inner voices. Trust develops along the way, sometimes producing outcomes that seem almost magical.
“Things are moving very fast in current society. Many feel they lack control of those matters that affect their lives deeply,” Doran states. “I want readers to feel hopeful and uplifted. I want them to discover some part of themselves in at least one of the characters, whether it’s a man like Stephen Rhodes, a woman like Pam Baxter, or others who are brought together in sometimes strange ways for very worthy purposes. I want them to feel that the ride they’ve taken (and it’s quite a ride indeed!) has been worth their time.”
“The Psychic” will appeal to readers who are looking for a character-driven story that highlights women’s friendships and personal transformation. Visit https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/805926-the-psychic to get a copy.
“The Psychic: A Novel”
By Deirdre Doran
Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 452 pages | ISBN 9798765271919
Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 452 pages | ISBN 9798765271896
E-Book | 452 pages | ISBN 9798765271902
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Deirdre Doran grew up in the sun-drenched landscape of Los Angeles at a time when Hollywood was bursting with romance and star power. The daughter of a playwright and a renowned Beverly Hills psychoanalyst, she learned early to pay attention to emotionally complex stories. Her fascination with human drama led her to study English, French and Russian literature at U.C. Berkeley during the fractious seventies. With the world in flames near and far, she developed a strong appreciation for social movements and human history.
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SOURCE Balboa Press
