Cover Image: The Clinic

The Clinic

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Member Reviews

I liked the dual narration of the story from Meg (sister of Haley Banks) and Cara (manager at the clinic). Of the eight suspects who were present at the Clinic when Haley died, I had no idea who could be trusted. Both of the doctors felt suspicious and the five patients all felt unreliable (maybe the setting contributed to this). There was a strong feeling about whether the police officers would get to the truth or not. It's a well-paced book.

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A crime story masterpiece. It's superbly presented to be addictive. The setting perfectly sets the scene for a mystery dying to be solved.

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The Clinic" by Clare Quinn is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Set in a mysterious clinic where patients' darkest secrets are uncovered, Quinn masterfully weaves together intricate plot twists and compelling characters. The pacing is relentless, drawing readers deeper into the maze of deception and danger with every turn of the page. Fans of psychological thrillers will find themselves utterly absorbed in this haunting tale of suspense and betrayal.

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This book is so very similar to another that I am not even sure if I’m mixing them up.

It’s creepy, there are predictable situations and there aren’t any real twists.

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Enjoyable psychological thriller with believable characters and a good twist. There is a lot of medical chat in the middle of the book that for me detracted from the action and slowed down the plot.

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Tension Fuelled..
It is the most exclusive rehabilitation clinic in the world - or so it claims. A luxurious spa, yoga and first class therapy provision - all set in seclusion and privacy. It certainly provides the mega rich and insanely famous with the treatments they desire - but what is really going on behind closed doors? When Haley, a country singer, is found dead at the clinic, sister Meg arrives incognito and in search of answers. She soon discovers more than she could have ever imagined. Tension fuelled suspense where nothing is as it seems with a deftly drawn cast, a propulsive plot littered with twists and an underlying vein of menace throughout.

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It was a bit of a slow burner, but the great setting and plot really made this one that you kept reading.
I loved the tension as it was all pulling together!

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Unfortunately, I couldn't finish The Clinic by Cate Quinn. While there were some entertaining elements, like the distinct narration between characters and the plot concept, the writing felt very one dimensional. The female characters felt like cut out stereotypes with Cara's only personality trait being that she is well mannered and Meg's being addiction. No character felt fully developed and therefore, their connection with the reader was lost, making the book hard to read.
Additionally, I felt that the descriptive passages were full of a lot of unneeded adjectives which left nothing for the reader's imagination. Even when it came to character descriptions, too much was listed all at once and it felt very superficial. Character quirks which can hint at both looks and personality (for example, nail biting-showing the state of the nails while also hinting at a more anxious character) were replaced with basic lists of hair and eye colours.
As previously mentioned, the plot itself is a brilliantly interesting idea and what first attracted me to the book. I just wish the writing was a little more developed. That being said, due to it's more simplistic language and narration style, the book would be perfect for someone who is more invested in the action rather than the writing itself.

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The clinic, where celebrities and the rich & famous go to rehab, but what happens behind those closed doors? When Megs sister Hayley is found dead there, Meg checks in herself to find out just what happened . Will she uncover the truth?

This read was a little slow burner for me, but I’m glad I stuck with it, would recommend

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I have really enjoyed the author's previous novels and was drawn to the synopsis of The Clinic.
It's set in an exclusive rehab clinic where, after checking in for treatment, Meg's sister, country singer Haley , is found dead. Meg does not believe the coroner's decision on the cause of Haley's death so checks in to the clinic under an alias to discover the truth.
The novel started off really well, Meg is an interesting and complex character with her own addictions and I wished there was some more exploration of her childhood and it's impact on her and Haley. I liked the clinic setting and found the clinic manager Cara to be an intriguing character that I also wanted to find out more about. I did think that when the narrative moved to the other patients and Meg's interactions with them the novel became tedious and I enjoyed the parts told from Cara's point of view more. I did become immersed in the first half of the novel but felt that after that things became a little unbelievable and ridiculous and I would have preferred a more character led narrative. This was a mixed read for me but I do enjoy the author's writing and really appreciated an exploration of a subject that is very personal to her.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
3.5 stars

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I chose to read a free eARC of The Clinic but that has in no way influenced my review.

Cate Quinn's Black Widows was a highlight of my reading year in 2022. I felt I had found something very special and immediately downloaded Quinn's second thriller, Blood Sisters. But, despite my very best intentions to get it read ASAP, I wasn't able to find a gap in my reading schedule. Still, there's plenty of time and I intend to make it a priority (or one of my #20booksofsummer24 picks if all else fails! 😂). However, I accidentally stumbled upon the fact that the author was set to release a new thriller in 2024, whilst having a mooch around a popular galley site. So I budged a few things over, relegated a few others (🙈) and taddah - I was able to have an early read of The Clinic. (Just for clarity's sake, my own books are a much lower priority than my review copies - which is why I'm still waiting to read Blood Sisters but was able to squeeze in a review copy of The Clinic. I promise, in my mind, it does make a strange sort of sense!)

Sisters Meg and Haley have always had a tumultuous relationship. Haley, the older of the two, left home at a young age to pursue a music career leaving Meg behind with their controlling mother. When Meg learns of Haley's death at an exclusive rehab facility for the rich and famous, Meg is determined to find out what happened to her estranged sister and the only way to do that is to go undercover. With Meg's stressful job weeding out loan sharks and criminals in an LA casino, and following a particularly painful run-in with a gangster, Meg now relies on oxycodone and alcohol to get her through the day. So at least she'll blend in! But on arrival, Meg realises it's going to be a lot harder to find out what happened to Haley than she initially thought. And when strange notes and messages start turning up, warning Meg off, she doesn't know what to think. Muddled by her own addictions, battling withdrawal, and unable to rely on or trust any of the other patients, Meg needs to find a way through the fog to get to the truth before it's too late...

The Clinic is a tense, thoroughly gripping psychological thriller that I did not want to be parted from for any length of time. Whenever 'adulting' called (and unfortunately it did) I was very reluctant to put this one down. Doing everything in my power to return to the book as soon as humanly possible. Meg isn't a particularly likable main protagonist. She's a little rough around the edges, a little brusque but she fully recognises that, aware of how she comes across. Which is why her relationship with ex-cop Harry works so well. I really liked how these two characters were written and how their relationship is presented. But Harry is on the outside and Meg is very much alone and isolated in the clinic. The other patients are all very interesting characters but the reader never really feels as though they can trust any of them, and that includes Meg.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I enjoyed every moment I spent with The Clinic. It's a dark and gripping novel with a whole host of unreliable narrators playing their part, telling their truths (or not as the case may be!) and helping to move the plot along. The story is told from two main POVs - Meg's, and also the manager of the rehabilitation clinic, Cara. The two viewpoints were like chalk and cheese, night and day. They're two very different women; one who follows the rules, one who sometimes doesn't even notice there are rules in play! I loved the contrast of the two voices and how things were seen from different perspectives. The other characters - the other patients, the staff - all felt fully formed and believable, some scarily so! All in all, The Clinic is a highly readable, fully engaging, thrilling read full of wonderfully written, unlikeable characters and a superb dark undertone that I couldn't get enough of. It's a bit bonkers in places but so what. Hugely compelling, full of menace, and with a superb sense of impending doom running throughout. I loved The Clinic and look forward to reading more from this author soon. Highly recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Clinic. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

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This felt a bit too similar to other boosk I have read and didn't really bring anything new. Just OK for me.

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I knew I’d love this and I wasn’t disappointed!!, a creepy rehab clinic and a missing girl, what’s not to like?! This would make a great film, tense and testy with horrid characters! Loved it.

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This is a long novel but there’s plenty going on to keep you enthralled. In a remote rehab clinic, the death of a young woman prompts her sister Meg, to enter the facility herself as a patient in order to find out the truth. Meg is facing her own addictions and figuring out the truth proves to be more difficult than she anticipated. She’d away from family and friends and it seems she can’t trust anyone inside the clinic. This book is tense, gripping, full of secrets and twists. Thank you to NetGalley, Orion a Publishing Group and the author for the chance to review.

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It’s what you’d do in similar circumstances. When Meg’s sister Haley dies while attending an exclusive celebrity rehab clinic – leaving the family with unanswered questions amid their grief – Meg checks in to see if she can find out what happened. But this is a beautiful place for the beautiful people, and far away from the world of celebrity, leaving Meg more isolated than she could imagine. This is not just one sister trying to find justice for another, it’s a tale about addiction and mental health and discovering the truth. If you haven’t read Cate’s books before, I recommend starting with this, then turning to the equally brilliant Blood Sisters. Both have a dark charm that will have you glued to the page.

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On a mission to find out what happened to her sister in rehab, Meg checks into the clinic to find out more, but can’t trust anyone until she finds her sister’s killer.

I loved the setting of the clinic, the rehab story, and there are lots of great characters - albeit they aren’t all likeable!

A great book with plenty of twists and turns. Despite being a bit far fetched at points I was still sucked in and enjoyed it all the same!

Thanks netgalley for the advance copy. Due for release in January 🌟

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The Clinic is a thrilling novel by Cate Quinn that takes place in a serene rehab facility on the picturesque Pacific Northwest coast. Meg, checks into a clinic under an alias and is a spirited soul who battles addiction while desperately seeking answers regarding her sister's tragic demise. Within the walls of this secluded haven, infused with luxuries like rejuvenating spas, ayurvedic yoga sessions, and world-class therapy, the clinic becomes a sanctuary where individuals can heal their wounds and mingle with extraordinary individuals from around the globe. Shielded from intrusive paparazzi and zealous fans, the patients find solace in their midst, with no one to turn to except for those within these protective confines.

Meg and Haley's relationship has always been complex, wrought with unresolved childhood trauma and enigmatic memories involving Mr. Priest. This facet of the book is particularly gripping, as the author navigates the intricacies with finesse. Quinn's exploration of addiction and rehabilitation delves into dark and challenging issues, intertwining them skillfully within a masterfully crafted thriller imbued with suspense, shocking twists, and unexpected turns. Anchored by a compelling narrative, the story showcases a diverse cast of characters, each with their captivating histories and depths. The book's concise chapters maintain a vibrant pace, keeping the readers engrossed and captivated by the unfolding events.

Written in an engaging and enthralling style, the book caters to a variety of interpretations of its underlying message. One can perceive it as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the perils of addiction and the significance of seeking assistance. While some elements within the clinic may require a suspension of disbelief, they remain within the realm of possibility. The narrative skillfully conceals several twists and turns, providing readers with a sense of satisfaction as they untangle the layers of misdirection.

The characters are thoughtfully portrayed, and their connections and bond as addicts resonate authentically. Minor interactions that may seem superfluous serve to deepen the intrigue, adding further complexity to the gripping story. It is worth noting that this is Quinn's first book written during her sobriety, lending a unique perspective to her storytelling.

As the story reaches its conclusion, it becomes somewhat predictable; however, it remains thoroughly entertaining throughout.

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Thanks to Netgalley & the publishers for the Arc. Unfortunately, I had to DNF this one pretty early (somewhere around 9%). I felt like I had read this book a million times already. Just with different titles and locations. It was my fault for requesting the book, but I was pretty click happy that day when requesting. The masses are going to eat this up though.

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Oh wow where do i start? I love a good psychological thriller and boy this did not disappoint. Loved it from the first page to the last. The twist and turns kept coming and kept me guessing until all was revealed. I would highly recommend this book. The author really dug deep and researched it well.
Many thanks to the author and netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

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This was a bit of a slow start and had a lot of characters with a lot going on! That said, they're all given unique voices and original personalities so didn't end up too confusing. I loved the twists and the pave did pick up and once it got going, I was hooked! A really good spin on the whole "clinic/ instatution" thriller vibe

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