I'm reading the latest Patricia Cornwell book. In this one (as in the last few), the psychological observations have been very insightful.

For example, the character here is Pete Marino, recovering alcoholic, and formerly totally messed up human. I think the observation goes way beyond people in his stage of "recovery."

"Her voice was melodic and happy, and she seemed interested in what she did and interested in him. Talking to her was waking him up in a way he hadn't felt in a very long while. Maybe it was because he'd forgotten how nice it was to be treated like an equal, or more important, with the respect he deserved."

"Scarpetta," Chapter 14.