The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient
By Alex Michaelides
Published by Orion (7 February 2019)
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher

Publisher's description

ALICIA
Alicia Berenson writes a diary as a release, an outlet - and to prove to her beloved husband that everything is fine. She can't bear the thought of worrying Gabriel, or causing him pain.

Until, late one evening, Alicia shoots Gabriel five times and then never speaks another word.

THEO
Forensic psychotherapist Theo Faber is convinced he can successfully treat Alicia, where all others have failed. Obsessed with investigating her crime, his discoveries suggest Alicia's silence goes far deeper than he first thought.

And if she speaks, would he want to hear the truth?

My verdict
The Silent Patient managed to totally mess with my head. I have to admit that it's taken me weeks to get this review down on paper, and I still don't really know exactly what I want to say.

I often struggle with psychological thrillers unless they offer me something different. Well, I couldn't put this book down, reading it into the early hours. This was an unsettling experience, as the plot is filled with unreliability and secrecy, switching between Theo's narration in the present and flashbacks to Alicia's past. Theo is arrogant enough to believe that he will be the one to unlock Alicia's silence and to get her to talk again. I couldn't help but be mesmerised by his narrative - an unforgettable character.

This intelligent debut novel left me stunned by the end, kicking myself because I really didn't see the final twist coming! I can't give any spoilers, so you'll just have to read the book to discover what I mean.

I know it's only February, but The Silent Patient may well be one of the best psychological thrillers I'll review this year.

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