I lost track of the story a little with it having been read out by loud and with the story fitting between some of the 'therapy' sessions and the development of the thriller part of the story. Other audio stories I have enjoyed have had chapter heading which helped to forewarn whose perspective the chapter was from, without this it became a bit monotone.
Back to the story, I loved the idea of the book, girl moves into a new town/neighbour, tries to make friends with the neighbours and solve a murder but nearly ends up murdered herself. I think I would've enjoyed the book more than I enjoyed the audio.

Alice and Leo have been in a long distanced relationship for a while, but now they have decided it’s time for them to live together so off they go to the house that Leo has bought in a gated community of The Circle, in London. Alice initially is over excited for this new chapter of her life and can’t wait to meet her new neighbours, but unfortunately the excitement doesn’t last long as she discovers that Leo has kept a huge secret for her and now it’s impossible for her to let go of her will of finding out the truth.

The exploration of the gated community was well explored and described, and the initial settings were really promising.
Once I was immersed in the story and walked alongside Alice I was keen on reading where the narrative could bring me, and I was awaiting for the next twist to happen, however apart from a creepy night time episodes nothing much happened and I felt the story was dragging on a bit, resulting a bit too slow paced.
Gladly I could find again the spooky vibe towards the end, when all the secrets unravels and Alice finally finds out the truth.

Still was an enjoyable audiobook to listen to and a good company while carrying out my house chores 😊

The Therapist was a fab psychological thriller that captured me from the start and didn’t loosen its grip until I finished.
Alice and Leo have decided to buy a house and live together, Leo has found the perfect house in a gated community called “The Circle” that’s located in Finsbury, London. Leo has managed to get this at a great price so only he has to sell his house and Alice can rent her cottage out in the country. Everything is going great until Alice finds out that the reason the house was so cheap is because a murder had happened inside it. Here Alice is determined to find out more but she doesn’t realise how many secrets are being kept from her.
I loved this book from start to finish, I think Alice was a good lead character and the writing made it all feel so believable so much so I began to feel claustrophobic myself in regards to the gated community. It seemed you could see inside every house from each other’s house and not move without being seen.
I have been lucky enough to be gifted both the ebook and the audio book and I have to say I don’t think the voice of the narrator did this book any favours, it was almost robotic and this needed more variation as it made the book to be almost boring compared to how I read it myself.
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

I listened to this one via the Netgalley app and my first impression was that I was not that keen on the narrator, although she did grow on me a little during the reading. This has not clouded my judgement of the book, but worth a comment for those of you listening via Audible or library app etc.

This is a good psychological domestic thriller set in a gated community called The Circle. The residents are generally well off couples, with the exception of an older reclusive couple when Alice and Leo buy their first house there together. Having never lived together before Alice is unsure of moving so far from her beloved country village home to nearer London and Leo has seen the property while she is out of the country. Despite reservations they move in and almost immediately Leo seems to be keeping secrets. Alice tries to make friends with the other ladies living in The Circle but they are generally polite but distant. Deciding to welcome them to their new home Alice throws a party for the residents, one Leo is not keen on. The party is a success and all seems well until Alice hears that a man she thought was her neighbour was not who he said he was......

The suspense was built up well in this story and the characters were either likeable and engaging or potentially menacing and cruel. I wanted to keep going with the book to see what would happen and had tried and failed until near the end to suss it out. The ending is shocking and further twists about Alice and the stranger come thick and fast towards the end making you want to scream “NO” and rush in to help!!!

I will definitely read this also when I get chance and would thank Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a labyrinthine mystery with sustained suspense. The characters are well-drawn, and i enjoyed the quality of B.A. Paris' writing. Not everyone can write dialogue that is natural and believable, but Paris has done so in this book which has so many interactions between and among characters. I felt the ending was fair to the reader...no sudden, unpredictable resolution, although attention and serious thinking are required. My one wish for this book would be that it were shorter. At times I felt it was getting a bit repetitive and the suspense could have been tightened up. But, this is a book I can recommend. And for those listening to the audio format, the narrator is excellent. There is a brief performance by another reader at the end, also good.

I have read all of BA Paris' book so when I got the chance to listen to this book I jumped at the chance.

This isn't really a thriller as its relatively slow moving but as usual, has Paris' engaging writing style. It follows Alice who moved into a new exclusive area with her boyfriend. She then finds out that a murder has been commited in her house, and sets about looking into it herself - there is a lot of tooing and frowing where Alice is doubting everything she knows and meets. I felt there was room for a bit more information about the other characters living in the 'Circle' but still a solid read which I've enjoyed.

The narration was great on this too, quite slow though so when I upped the pace it did become somewhat robotic. This may just be due to placing via the Netgalley app though.

Thank you to BA Paris, Netgalley and Harper Collins UK Audio for approving me for an ARC of this audiobook.

Alice and Leo move in together into a new house in an area called The Circle. The Circle consist of 12 houses in a semi-circle with a park in the middle and a security gate that needs a code to get through.

But soon Alice finds out that someone was murdered in her house. And to make matters worse, the murdered woman shares the same name as Alice's Dead sister Nina. So this hits a nerve with her. And when she starts to hear someone moving around when she is asleep, she doesn't think she is just being paranoid.

And when a strange man turns up to her house warming party that doesn't live in The Circle, she starts to get more involved in Nina's murdered and she thinks that the wrong man was blamed for her death.

I must admit that I think I thought that the actual murderer was probably all of the characters at least once while reading this book. I did, actually, correctly guess the real murderer not far from the beginning. But then kept changing my mind.

It was a really good thriller and I really enjoyed the twists and turns. The only downside to the book was that Alice did get on my nerves a bit. But then again, I would probably act the same if I was in her situation.

A solid 4 stars. Can't wait to read B A Paris's other books, as this was my first.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins UK Audio for approving me for an ARC of this audiobook.

I have never read anything by B A Paris before, but I do have The Dilemma sitting on my kindle waiting to be read. When I saw the synopsis for this one I was really intrigued and thought why not give it a go. The more I listen to audiobooks the more impressed I am with the narrators ability to give characters unique voices and create a play with just one voice. The audio on this book was no exception, Olivia Dowd did a fantastic job of portraying Alice’s story and whilst Thomas Judd had a smaller role I very much enjoyed his chapters too.

With quick, fast paced chapters this was an easy listen from start to finish. I loved the chapters that were from Nina’s POV, they broke up the story and left me with more questions about the murder. The only thing I wanted more of were the chapters from the murderer’s POV, it seemed a little odd to only have one or two chapters near the end.

I did feel for Alice throughout the book. Firstly she moved from her quaint cottage in a remote village, where she was quite happy keeping herself to herself, to The Circle, complete with it’s close knit neighbours and extravagant houses. She wasn’t sure how she was going to fit in or what to make of her new neighbours, being the new girl on the block wasn’t a role she was used to. Then she found out why the house was so cheap to buy in the first place and this sets her on a dangerous path to discover what happened to Nina. To top it off she also finds out her partner Leo isn’t quite who she thought he was and he too seems to be keeping his own secrets.

Events unravelled in a usual mystery/thriller style and I found myself agreeing with Alice, accusing everyone in The Circle. One thing was clear, they were all hiding something. I had started to figure out the main revelation but I hadn’t foreseen the brilliant twist that was put on it. The final scenes had me on the edge of my seat, not wanting to stop listening.

The Therapist is a slow moving mystery set in an exclusive luxury estate in London. I wouldn’t really call it a thriller as it’s not very thrilling. There’s not much going on apart from the main character’s continuous ruminating, whilst she is usually looking through a window... There are also many phone calls, chats over teas and coffees as well as descriptions of clothes and interiors. The whole premise of the book is rather ludicrous and although I am prepared to suspend disbelief when reading fiction, this story was just too improbable. I’ve listened to some parts on audio and narration was good.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy.

I gobbled this book up so quickly. It was fast paced and really quite spooky. It made me think about how thin the veneer of truth can be. Can you even trust your own truths. Absolutely great. Loved it.

I finished listening to this audio book in less than forty-eight hours after I'd downloaded it, which is a good sign. I enjoy domestic thrillers and liked the setting of the exclusive North London residential development of 'The Circle'. For the most part - although not entirely - it is a first person narrative from the viewpoint of Alice, whose boyfriend, Leo, has just bought a house in this gated community and with whom she moves in for the first time.

It isn't long before the reader realises Alice and Leo don't really know each other that well and cracks begin to appear in their new life together. Alice arranges a house warming party for the neighbours without consulting Leo but then shortly after, she discovers that Leo has not been entirely honest with her about the history of house and the reason it was so affordable. Their relationship deteriorates rapidly, as major trust issues are exposed on both sides. At the same time, Alice becomes obsessed with Nina, the previous owner, who was murdered and is determined to discover the truth about who killed her. On occasions Alice appears to be emotionally needy and ill-equipped to deal with the situations in which she finds herself. She makes some serious errors of judgement and begins to rely heavily on her new 'friends' after her problems with Leo become apparent. However, she's harbouring a secret from her past this accounts for her at times questionable behaviour and immature responses.

I would have liked further development of the other residents in 'The Circle' as I felt there was scope for more drama there. I didn't find the characters to be likeable and nearly every-one falls under suspicion at some point, before we finally learn the truth but that doesn't matter - afterall, they're fictional characters and not my friends! B. A. Paris writes fluently and in such an engaging style that I wanted to know what happened. The perpetrator won't come as a big surprise but there are twists and it's a good read. The narrators of the audio version were great too! Thank you for this ARC - recommended!

The book follows the story of Alice as she moves with her partner Leo into a new home in London.

From the start Leo’s motives are called into question, why he wants to move to the circle and why he wants to buy it himself. From here on in everything Alice thought she knew is called into question.

The book ties you in knots as Alice tries to work out who she can trust and who is leading her astray. Alice discovers a terrible secret about the house they have moved into and this consumes her life.

None of the characters are particularly likeable as we are forced to question them all alongside Alice.

All does eventually become clear but the book remains unsettling. Leaving me thinking about the secrets everyone appears to keep and the motivations they all have.

Dark and disturbing!

💫 Book Review 💫
The Therapist by @baparisauthor
Publication date- 15th April 2021

Thank you to @netgalley and @hqstories for this advanced readers copy, in exchange for an honest review.

Book Synopsis
When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive…

As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating, grisly secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.

Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbours are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem…

My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this booked, I loved the idea of living somewhere like ‘The Circle’......well until the story developed that is!

There were lots of interesting characters, with their own secrets, which held my interest throughout. Despite their being numerous character, at no point did it become confusing or ‘too much’ each on being integral to the storyline.

The storyline was gripping and pacy, I recommend this to any thriller fan.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
#thetherapist #baparis #hq #netgalley #netgalleyreview #netgalleyreads #ebook #thriller #bookreview #bookblog #netgalleyreviewer #bookblogger #readersofinstagram #readersofig #mrsbookburney

Alice and Leo have survived the troubles that come with a long-distance relationship and are now ready to make a home, together. Leo finds them the perfect house, situated in London for convenience but within a gated community for safety. The other eleven houses, inside this closed community, share book clubs, coffee mornings, BBQs, and yoga workouts. Alice longs to immerse herself in their lifestyle but Leo seems more reticent. Their dream home could also come with the dream life and a new friendship group, if only they were willing to reach for it. Alice may be too eager to snatch at it but Leo's withdrawal is even more concerning. Just where does this reluctance stem from? And what is it about this house that so appealed to him, but its neighbours rather less so?

I loved the exploration of this gated community, where much of the novel was set. From the outside, those within seemed to live a charmed and care-free life. Their close proximity ensured safety but it also meant all were aware of each other's every movement. Everyone knew who was where they should be and what for, and also who was where they shouldn't have been, with the why, however, still yet to de discovered.

Once I had immersed myself into this community, along with protagonist Alice, I felt the pacing stalled and I spent a little too long eagerly awaiting the next narrative twist to occur. There were a few spooky, night-time events and I really wished these had been prolonged, as they brought a sinister vibe to the story I greatly appreciated. Given the somewhat isolated setting, this is exactly what I was anticipating from the book.

This was not the direction it continued to take, but the mystery that was presented was still of interest. However, once the focused rested here, I wished, again, that the pace was increased. I remained intrigued by the mystery throughout, if a little uninterested by the inactivity during the central portion of it.

The ending was unexpected and well-executed and made some of my earlier reservations disappear, with its unique reveals, heightened action, and emotional focus. I may not have entirely loved this, throughout, but still thought it a solid thriller read. Paris is definitely an author I long to read more from.

B.A. Paris has done it again with another fantastic Thriller. I am a huge fan and she never disappoints. Would highly recommend. This review is for the audio book and it pulled me in right from the start and had me guessing right until the end. I will be buying the book and recommending it to all my friends.
Thank you to NetGalley, B.A. Paris and Harper Collins for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

When Alice and Leo move into The Square Alice is excited to start a new chapter in her life, although apprehensive of moving to London from the small village she had grown up in Alice is looking forward to starting a life with Leo.

Things aren’t as they seem in The Square and some of the neighbours seem unfriendly towards Alec making her feel uneasy.

I do love a B A Paris book so I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of The Therapist. The story centres Alice and Leo who’ve bough a house in the exclusive gated housing community, The Circle. As Alice settles in and gets to know the neighbours, she discovers a terrible secret about her house which had been kept from her.

The plot was intriguing and certainly kept you wanting more. I loved the closed-in setting and the list of believable suspects who gave it that ‘whodunnit’ element.

I listened to the audiobook and which was well narrated and engaging.

Overall I do recommend this pacy read.

Genre: Psychological thriller
Rating: 4.5/5

This audiobook was a fantastic travelling companion on my journey to visit my mum over Easter.

Alice has moved into a new home with Leo in London. She had her reservations about leaving her country cottage but these multiple when she finds out her new home was the scene of a gruelling murder.

Alice gets caught up in trying to discover who committed the murder, and along with the nighttime intruder who regularly visits her house , the tension grew and I was on the edge of my seat.

The narrators did an excellent job as I was drawn into the story without any confusion, their reading style added to the suspense.

I would recommend this audiobook if you enjoy a twisty thriller. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to listen and enjoy it.

I really loved this tale of Alice and her move to the Circle. Trying to make friends with her neighbour whilst at the same time trying to work out who killed the former occupant of her new home. I quickly became hooked and was eager to find out who had killed Nina and managed to evade capture. Every character had depth and I was kept guessing to who the culprit is. BA Paris is a master at psychological thrillers.

Didn’t see that coming or did I? Good plot with realistic characters, creates a safe haven and leads you to question who are these people. Story flowed well and read it very quickly. The author managed to create an Effie atmosphere! Good narration, thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook.