In The Silent Patient we hear the story of Alicia Berenson, an artist who loves her husband very much but one day shoots him five times and kills him. From that moment forward she doesn’t speak a word.

Fast forward a few years and Theo, a psychotherapist, begins working at the secure hospital where Alicia resides. He is aware of her case and set on helping her out of her silence and getting her to talk to him.

What follows is an intriguing story told partly from Theo’s point of view and partly via excerpts from Alicia’s diary. Well written, thought provoking and with a fantastic twist this is an enjoyable read.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of #TheSilentPatient in return for an honest review.

A very cleverly plotted and well written story with believable characters. A nice twist at the end and I learned a bit of Greek myth that I was unfamiliar with.

I read this book while on holidays and got through it in two days. The author has a very unique writing voice and it took me a few pages to fall into step with it but once I did, I was hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and it's not often that a twist blindsided me, (especially when I'm expecting it) but this hit me squarely between the eyes. It was so clever, and very enjoyable. I loved the characterisation, and it really was impossible to put down. I know there's a lot of talk lately on social media about twist fatigue, but I love a good mindbending twist and I recommend this to all lovers of the psychological thriller genre.

I'm really glad I found this book - it was almost perfect for me! The narrator, Theo Faber, is a forensic psychotherapist, which is what I'm studying at uni starting this September! I will admit this possibly made the job out to be a lot more exciting and dramatic than it often is in reality, but pretty much every book on this topic does the same thing. It did include a fair amount of subject-specific terminology which I appreciated, but not so much that it was overwhelming or too much like a textbook.

I'm not going to discuss the plot much at all, as a) it's really quite confusing, and b) I don't want to ruin it at all for any potential readers. The bare bones of this is basically Theo working with Alicia Berenson, who was charged for the murder of her husband, but hasn't talked since the day of his death. It's almost a detective novel - Theo wants to find out what really happened, and why. At the same time, Theo has things going on in his personal life, and in his spare time he also follows 'leads' regarding Alicia's case - her friends, family. It becomes more than just therapy, for sure.

As expected, there are twists and shocking discoveries - but I really did not expect one of these in particular. I found it fantastic; not cheesy or predictable at all.

My only criticisms are a few typos - which may be due to my copy only being an ARC - as well as the fact that some aspects were perhaps a bit overly dramatic. Theo's actions at one point are really quite... drastic. Unbelievable, almost. But then, I suppose some people do handle things in similar ways.

4.5 stars for The Silent Patient.

Alicia is silent, an artist married to a well known photographer, she enjoys her life and is living comfortably until, that is, she shoots her husband 5 times and kills him, that's the moment she closes her mouth and decides not to talk anymore.

Theo Faber is a forensic psychotherapist who desperately wants to get Alicia to talk, he wants to know what happened and why, part of it is professional curiosity and the other part is to further his own career if he can be the one to get her to open up.

Told in present day and Alicia's diary enteries we follow the narrative of Theo as he tries to get Alicia to talk and Alicia's slow descent into, supposed, madness.

The side characters add a wonderful depth to the story, their experiences lay foundations to appreciate as we flow along and piece together all the clues as to what, exactly, is really happening.

I wasn't as engaged with the overall story as many others have been, I felt detached from it, I found Theo was judgmental, obsessive and arrogant, thinking only of himself and how 'unlocking' Alicia would be a boost to his career to the detriment of his family.

Alicia, a troubled woman, slowly allowing certain parts of herself to the open, little bits dropping as and when appropriate, kept me drawn into HER, if not much else.

It was an enjoyable read but not the best book I've read, I do read a hell of a lot of thrillers and mysteries so that could be why I didn't connect with it, worked out the twists quite early on finished the book because I do enjoy his writing. I look forward to reading more by Alex Michaelides as I'm sure his future novels are bound to keep me interested.

*Huge thanks to Alex Michaelides, Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*

This was mind blowingly good. Great characters, really interesting story and the twist at the end was one of the best I have ever read. Definitely get yourself a copy!

Oh my there has been so much hype over this book and it did not disappoint. Usually when books are so hyped up, I read them with high expectations and I never seem to feel that the book has had the effect on me that others say it has had on them.

This is the exception to the rule.

I read this book in one sitting. The main character attempts to break the silence of a convicted killer and the author immediately drags you into the book wanting to explore the psychological traits of the character.

I absolutely loved this book.

A slow burning but compelling creepy thriller that builds to an ingenious twist. Artist Alicia shoots her husband dead and hasn't uttered a word since. Psychotherapist Theo, obsessed with the case wangles a job at the secure unit where she has been held for the last 5 years. Can he break through her silence? A brilliant debut.

This was an enthralling psychological thriller. with lots of red herrings. As I put the pieces of the jigsaw together I thought that it really couldn't be the conclusion I had come to but it was. I great story which illustrates the lifetime effects o a disastrous upbringing can have on the psyche of a child.

The Silent Patient is a fast moving and absorbing psychological thriller. A great read with an excellent twist.

Thought this book was great, really unsure where it was going and kept my curiosity up till the end. Massive twist did not see coming at all, well done loved it

Overall opinion of the book:
I was so impressed with The Silent Patient, it was absolutely outstanding and the plot was so intricate. Although the book was a page turner, it did take me around 100 pages to become fully invested in the story as I wasn't overly fussed on the the main character, Theo to begin with. His attitude seemed strange with no redeeming qualities, but as the novel progressed and readers are given an insight into his background this then makes sense. I'm glad I stuck with it because it blew me away!

As the synopses explains, the book follows physiotherapist Theo, who is determined to make the notoriously silent patient, Alicia, speak about why she shot and killed her husband. The interactions between Theo and Alicia were particularly interesting to read and I enjoyed learning about the different techniques physiotherapists use to help patients. Although I wasn't overly fond of Theo's personality for the most part, I particularly liked Alicia's character. She was very intriguing and it was interesting to have her journal of the events leading up to the shooting alongside the present day. It gave readers a much needed insight into her character and actions; it also highlighted the difference in Alicia's attitude in the past and present. We're also given an insight into the lives of the people close to her and how they interacted and impacted her life.

Another interesting aspect The Silent Patient was learning how corrupt the hospital Alicia is being kept in is. It was eye opening to read about the staff not being as innocent as they first seem and not actually having the patients best interests at heart.

The writing was phenomenal, even more so given that this is a debut novel! Michaelides is such a talented writer that kept me guessing until the very end. Even though there were some parts I suspected would happen, I never would have guessed the overall plot. It literally made me stare at my iPad open mouthed. He explains everything is such great detail and leaves no stone unturned. All of the loose ends were tied up and the ending was so unique to anything I've read before! I was SHOOK.

Final thoughts:
I would definitely recommend The Silent Patient to everyone, even if you don't usually enjoy thrillers, it's worth the read! The characters are a bit messed up and the plot is sometimes quite haunting and creepy, but in the best way possible!

This is definitely the book to pick up in 2019. It's full of intricate plots, interesting characters and will keep you up all night eager to find out what happens. Although the pace is a little slow to begin with, the plot picks up quickly and the book becomes action packed with fascinating content.

I genuinely can't wait to read more of Michaelides work in the future. His books are definitely going to be ones that will be instantly added to my tbr pile!

A brilliant book - I consumed this, not only enthralled by the narrative voice, but by the compelling characters. I did not see where the plot was heading and was blindsided by the ending.

Great story that kept me interested. There were some good twists to keep it from being too easily figured out. It's the first book I've read by this author but I really enjoyed it.

Great page turner with some unexpected twists, began to piece it together as the book went along but it was well written and very engaging, would recommend...

Loved this book! Read it in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. The ending is brilliant, a must read for anyone who loves thrillers.

I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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 Faver 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?

Wow. What a debut! Alex Michaelides is certainly an author I'm gonna be looking out for. His writing immediately drew me in the very gripping story and I found myself desperate to find out what was gonna happen next. A definite page-turner! While the majority of the book is written from Theo's perspective, we also got little snippets from Alicia's diary, that kept her character developing at a steady pace, while her present self is silent. I didn't massively like Theo's character but Alex's terrific writing made me forget about that, instead focusing on the suspenseful story. While delving into the world of psychotherapy, while still keeping me at the edge of my seat, the whole book kept me interested and hooked on every single word.
With plenty of twists and turns, and a very unpredictable ending, I highly recommend this one! Can't wait for this author's next book!

Oh my goodness, this was AWESOME! One of those books that demands you read it in one sitting because it's so original. When people talk about unexpected twists, they're usually pretty predictable but this was so skilfully woven, there's a lot you won't see on first reading.

One of those rare books you'll want to reread to see what you missed.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC without obligation.

The final outcome of the book is the reason for 5+ stars, truly extraordinary!

Alicia Berenson, an artist, is introduced into the mix of characters as a crazy monster convicted of killing her husband, Gabriel Berenson, a photographer.

The novel unfolds ‘step by step, slowly, cautiously' by introducing key characters brilliantly setting up a jigsaw puzzle that once is complete leaves you the reader utterly astounded and unprepared.

The next piece of the puzzle appears in the form of one of Alicia’s paintings of Alcestis, a heroine of Greek myth and a sad love story involving her husband, Admetus. Jean-Felix Martin owner of Soho Art Gallery exhibited Alicia’s macabre painting of Alcestis while Alicia was on trial for murdering her husband.

Professor Lazarus Diomides, director of The Grove a secure forensic psychiatric unit where Alicia ends up is next to be revealed. Each character is essential to take note of while reading. Once, Theo Faber, a forensic psychiatrist is introduced the plot gets intense. He is from a dysfunctional family dominated by hysteria, violence, threats and tears. Detailed descriptions of how an unlikely candidate as a psychiatrist he is - are very disturbing until Ruth his psychotherapists’ therapeutic interventions enable Theo to become functional in the forensic psychiatric profession.

Six years after the trial Theo joins Yuri, Stephanie and Christian (known to Theo) at The Grove where it becomes evident that Theo is desperate to treat Alicia and manipulates the situation so that he can.

The rest is up to you to enjoy, I cannot give any more away. Incredibly brilliant!

BonnieK

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

I love the way Alex Michaelides writes. Such expectation,, such great characterisation and a slow build of tension that towards the end I am mentally screaming ‘just tell me ... put me out of my misery’. A well plotted book with twists and gasp out loud moments. 5 stars