The Silent Patient - Alex Michaelides (pub. Orion Books)

“ I don’t know why I’m writing this.” Begins the prologue to The Silent Patient, and do you know what, that is pretty much how I feel typing up this review. For there are no real words, other than “Go and beg, borrow or buy a copy” that you need to know.

The book tells the story of silent patient Alice Berenson, who is under the care of psychotherapist Theo Faber, following her conviction for the brutal murder of her husband Gabriel. Alice hasn’t spoken since the day of the murder, but Theo feels he can find a way through the silence to get to the truth of what really happened that day. And this is what drew me into the book, the desire to know what the truth was. Told through the voice of Theo, we’re drawn into his both his professional life at The Grove, and his personal life with wife Kathy. And it is primarily through his sessions that we become familiar with Alice. There are intermittent diary entries from Alice throughout that transform her from the silent patient into a more rounded, likeable and animated character.

The characters are written in a controlled way that meant that I had complete faith in Michaelides’ words, and was more than happy to just relax into the story and enjoy it. And what a story it was; nothing was rushed, it felt like a naturally opening bud rather than forced scenes that shatter when you think about them too much. As usual, I will give nothing away, but I do just have to say that the ending did not disappoint - it’s blooming marvellous, really great. Please do put this on your to-read list you’ll love it.

I really enjoyed this book. It keep me guessing what was going to happen until the end. I didn't really like the charaters that much but that was to be expected in this sort of book. I did really like the twist at the end as I didn't see it coming at all which made it all the more interesting when everything was revealed.

Oh this was a page turner! I loved it and just kept wanting to know what happened. Was she mad or not? And the shocking twist came out of the blue! Highly recommend @NetGalley@TheSilentPatient

3.5 stars
This book was good but I didn't love it. For me personally, there was nothing special or memorable about it. It was well structured, quite well written and I must admit that I didn't predict or guess the main twist. I found the setting of a mental institution interesting but there wasn't really enough detail of it for me. I liked the link to Greek mythology and thought it was rather clever how it all came together at the end. However, the characters didn't have much depth and the plot felt a little contrived, with many lines that were there just for the purpose of red herrings and had no baring on the story.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Orion Books publishers for the ARC.

I read this book over 2 sittings and could not put it down it was so amazing.

This is a crime thriller with a twist at the end that you absolutely don't see coming. Theo is the psychotherapist intent on solving why Alicia has become mute since she was found with her husband Gabriel's body. Did she do it? Will Theo ever work out what has traumatised Alicia so much? Is she innocent?

The author makes many twists and turns throughout the story, they develop the characters in such a way that you form sympathies with them and want it all to turn out good and let there be a happy ending. I would compare this to the girl on the train. I really didn't guess what had happened and found that the ending was perfect. It didn't leave me disappointed at all as some crime thrillers do. I give this 5 stars and will definitely recommend to friends.

Although I’ve read and experienced these type of twists before in other books I have to say that this authors premise was excellent.

I loved that it was based in an Asylum. Around disturbed mental health patients.

Alicia is an artist, a painter.
Gabriel her husband.

When Alicia is found by her husbands body all clues point towards her as the killer. But Alicia is silent.
She neither speaks, or defends herself.
Did the shock or terror make her loose her speech, has she frozen? Or doesn’t she want to speak?
What lays behind the mystery of Alicia?

The Grove where she remains in care has not been able to break through. Can Theo the new Carer break through and get her to talk?

There are twists within twists in this subject matter that I did tie in and guess, but I couldn’t think why until it was revealed then a light bulb went on in my head OF COURSE!

Reading this carefully, slowly and devouring it without haste to pass onto my next book I found that I chewed over the workings of the authors mind in this.

I wondered why the person who was caring for Alicia was acting like a detective! Of course it all makes sense in the end. As with books like this so carefully woven must be carefully read and never rushed. You need to sit, chew and enjoy the tasty bits.

For those that read psychological thrillers it will appeal to you. It may not be new in its stinging tail of twists but it’s cleverly done and for that I appreciate my enjoyment of it.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides a five-star read with more layers than an onion. This was one of those stories that will have you wondering where the rug that beneath your feet five seconds ago has gone, it has it all drama, mystery and wonder, throw in a who done it and you have it all. Even those who always see the end six steps away will never see this one coming, there are twists a plenty and each is more dramatic than the last. This is definitely an author to look out for you need this novel in your life.

I didn’t want to finish this book, it’s the best book I’ve read in quite a while.
It was refreshing to read something different, the story certainly didn’t go the way I expected, I was completely lost in the characters. I’ve already recommended this book to friends.

Just finished reading this last night, and eeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! THAT TWIST!!!!!!! I never, ever saw it coming (thank God, because I normally always do and it totally ruins the reading experience for me), and I just sat up and actually yelped with pure delightttttt. LOVE this thriller. I'm not usually a crime and thriller reader because of how I always guess what's what far too early on, but this one is written so exceptionally well, truly. There's an air of authenticity about the whole thing, too, and you're sucked in 100% from the opening sentence. Normally too much hype can RUIN a reading/viewing experience because you set your expectations sooo high. But that moment the twist was revealed (ack, just wait till you get to it!!!) was the best feeling everrrr, and instantly justified all the hype. Remarkable achievement, truly well written––and superbly executed. HIGHLYYYYY RECOMMEND!!! :-)

This is quite the unsettling read but it comes with a brilliant twist and not one I even hazarded a guess at!

This is a tale of mental health and jealousy - it definitely becomes a page turner.

I recommend you read this book :)

After reading about The Silent Patient, i was really hoping to be accepted to read an advanced copy. .
This is the story of Alicia, a 33 year year old artist, who is discovered covered in blood.. refusing to speak .. silent.... her husband's body tied go a chair.

Theo, a psychotherapist arrives at The Grove where Alicia is being kept, convinced he has what it takes to make her open up to him... to make her speak. But Theo has his own demons....

This book was so easily to get stuck into, with a shocking unexpected twist at the end.

Thabk you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to read in return for an honest review. 4 stars

I enjoyed this book. A bit different from the usual psychological thriller and it kept me guessing to the end, even though I knew things weren’t quite as they seemed.
My thanks to Netgalley for this copy.

Wow , what an amazing book . I enjoyed every minute of this intriguing story , can’t wait to read more from this author

Wow! Great story, and not the ending I expected!

At first a little slow to get into the story, and I did wonder if Alicia had lost her mind and that was the reason she was in hospital. You really did get into her mind quite deep. Theo seemed determined that he would get to the bottom of why Alicia had not spoken since her husband's murder.

You also really got drawn into Theo's life, how he got to be where he is now, and his determination to help.

Some really good twists in the plot, certainly didn't see that ending coming. Would definitely recommend to fans of crime drama.

Now this was very, very clever and I could not put it down. It was gripping and absorbing. Alicia Berenson, a successful artist, shoots and kills her husband. She refuses to speak about what happened, or say anything at all, and is committed to a psychiatric unit: The Grove. Six years later Theo Faber, a psychotherapist, joins the staff of the The Grove. He has been fascinated by Alicia’s story and it determined to be the one who will get her to speak.

This is an intelligently written and rather chilling story with the kind of twist which genuinely makes your mouth fall open. I loved it. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

I loved this book and cannot rate it highly enough! The writing was very powerful and the intricate linking of the various characters and their stories was a great touch. I did not see the ending coming however it was so clever and I loved the style of writing. Every character was so well defined and I kept changing my mind about Alicia’s guilt of the murder of her husband and the twist was just perfect. I cannot wait for the next book by the author!

Was really keen to read this. Loved it and couldn't put down. Didn't expect the twist which was refreshing.

I loved this book.. it is basically a cautionary tale of actions and consequences. It also deals with self delusion. The characters were rich with detail and beautifully written it actually felt more like watching a tv drama than reading a book. I felt it had a tales of the unexpected feel to it so it was very much my cup of tea. The narrative flowed at a steady rate which helped the story to keep moving along. It is well written and rounded out perfectly. I wouldn't necessarily say it is edge of your seat thrilling but there is enough mystery to satisfy fans of poirot and marple etc. I would be happy to read more from this author in the future.

Wow! The first few chapters were a struggle for me to get through but once I was properly into the story I couldn't put this one down! Absolutely incredible story and highly recommended. Possibly one of the best books I've ever read!

Complex characters and a well detailed plot with numerous plot twists that take you the wrong way before leading you seamlessly back tot he main sorry. A striking story which is unravelled in a way that is beyond clever!