Variety has released an exclusive excerpt from the upcoming “Stranger Things” prequel novel “Suspicious Minds.” The new book from author Gwenda Bond explores the backstories of Eleven’s mother, Terry Ives, and Dr. Brenner AKA “Papa.”
Below is a sample of the excerpt that was released by Variety, and takes place when Ives meets Brenner for the first time:
“Sit,” the man said, waving his hand to the exam table. He had a tone of authority, like he was used to giving commands.
Terry hesitated, then perched on the edge of the table. Her feet dangled, a reminder she wasn’t on solid ground.
The man stood looking at her. Finally, when the silence began to get awkward, he asked, “And you are?”
Before she could decide how to answer, he continued, “I know you’re not Stacey Sullivan.”
That was quick.
“How?” The question slipped out.
“According to the notes made by the university staffer who provided her name, Stacey Sullivan has curly black hair. She’s five-three. Brown eyes. Average IQ.”
Terry was offended on Stacey’s behalf.
“You,” the man continued, “are five-eight with dark blond hair and blue eyes. My assessment of your intelligence depends on why you’re here claiming to be Miss Sullivan, but I’m going to guess it’s above average. So, who are you?”
His tone was casual. However Terry had expected this to go, this wasn’t it.
“Well, you’re not Stacey’s lab rat either,” Terry said, realizing it was true. Not only was this scene completely different from Stacey’s story, but no one would describe this man that way. “The guy who gave her drugs that made her feel weird last week. The reason she didn’t come back. So, who are you?”
She wondered if he’d answer.
He shook his head in something that might be amusement. “I’m Dr. Martin Brenner. That was a university psychologist working on a subcontract. They have a habit of botching the procedures. That’s why we’re taking this work over.” He paused. “Your turn.”
Fair enough.
“I’m Terry Ives, Stacey’s roommate,” she said.
“And so I have no idea if you meet any of the screening criteria set out for this experiment,” Dr. Brenner said.
“I talked to some of the others outside—they answered a newspaper ad. How strict can it be?”
He stilled, giving her that long considering look again.
She went on, encouraged by not being kicked out yet.
Terry stood up so they’d be face-to-face, not him looming above her. “I volunteered to take Stacey’s
“What is it you think this is, then?” Dr. Brenner asked.
Terry shrugged. “I read the release forms. All I can tell is that whatever this is, it’s something . . . big. I want to be a part of it.”
The full excerpt can be found on Variety.com.
“Suspicious Minds” will be released by Del Rey Books on February 5, 2019.
