Cover Image: The Patient's Secret

The Patient's Secret

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Member Reviews

I loved this book, it is full of twists, turns and secrecy. I enjoyed the psychology aspect and trying to understand the mindset of the characters. This is told through the eyes of the psychiatrist and it made for refreshing reading to read a thriller in this way. It also meant we got different ideas about the mindset of the suspects plus there was the added doubt of who the psychiatrist was talking about, it made for intense reading.
This is extremely dark in places but also exhilarating and very exciting. I loved my time reading this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advance copy.

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An intense exploration into the human mind, 'In the Patient's Secrets' builds suspense as Sharon, a prominent psychiatrist, conducts interviews with Kevin, a serial killer linked to 28 deaths.

The novel delves into the complexities of their interactions, leaving readers questioning Kevin's true nature. With a continuous stream of new revelations, the story keeps readers captivated, particularly as Kevin's character unfolds. Just when you think you have it figured out, the unexpected twists keep you guessing. Additionally, the mention of dissociative identity disorder and the rarity of serial killers add depth to the narrative, prompting further reflection on the complexities of mental health and criminal behavior.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reading copy."

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this book gripped me from the very first chapter and oh boy, what an emotional roller-coaster
I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

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Oh this was a fun ride! I am always down for anything medical and thriller. I enjoyed this read. It was fast and had all the thriller vibes I enjoy

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This was such a great book!! I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. I thought I had it all figured out and of course I didn't!! I would definitely recommend this book to all my family and friends.

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This was a gripping story from start to finish. Quite a different read to what I’m used to so I couldn’t put it down as I just wanted to know what would happen! I was really invested in the characters wellbeing’s and that clicked with me as I’m an emotional reader. Definitely check this author out!

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28 women has been killed by a monster, 28 daughters, sisters, nieces, Kevin Blackford did it and Dr Stevenson is the psychiatrist that should prove it, she needs to stablish that he is not crazy and doesn´t belong to a mental asylum.

The problem is that after meeting him she is not so sure now, is he really guilty or does he has in fact a mental problem? He says he doesn´t remember anything, but is it really that way or she is just victim of his manipulative self? will she become crazy and lose everything trying to prove hi is another victim? after 28 dead bodies kevin is very close to the death penalty and in everybody´s eyes he is already guilty even if the trial hasn´t started. will anyone believe her?

I had a very good time with this one, the first chapter is from the Killer´s POV and I was hooked from the start, I liked the end as well, very clever and I didn´t see it coming

My only BUT is that in the middle I almost lost interest, it was very slow and didn´t have enough moments where I really wanted to continue. I had to force myself a little bit and I´m glad I did.

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Get ready to dive into the mind-bending world of "The Patient's Secret" by SA Falk, a book that's part psychological thriller, part heart-wrenching drama, and 100% unputdownable. This isn’t just a story; it’s a psychological rollercoaster that will have you questioning everything!

Meet Sharon Stevenson, a forensic psychiatrist with a knack for unraveling the minds of her patients. Her job? To figure out if someone's mentally fit to stand trial, not play detective about their guilt or innocence. But here's the catch: Sharon is not just any psychiatrist; she's a mother haunted by the disappearance of her daughter, Maddie.

Now, imagine Sharon's world turning upside down when a man charged with multiple murders might hold the key to Maddie's fate. Falk masterfully intertwines Sharon's professional acumen with her personal agony, creating a character that's as relatable as she is intriguing. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife, or in this case, a therapist's pen!

What makes "The Patient's Secret" a standout is Falk's ability to weave a complex narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The book is like a puzzle where each piece is a revelation, leading you through a maze of emotions and theories. You'll find yourself playing detective alongside Sharon, sifting through clues and second-guessing every character's motive.

I won't spoil it, suffice to say this book is worth 5 stars!

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I think I found my new favourite author. This book grips you from the very first page, I found it very hard to put down once I had started it.

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Wow! Absolutely blown away. What a thrilling ride with forensic psychiatrist Sharon Stevenson and Blue River Strangler Kevin Blackford. What a shocking twist! A must-read!

Thank you so much Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Excellent read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, It kept me wanting *just one more chapter*

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This is a really well done thriller! The suspense is built up well and the story has some chilling moments. I really enjoyed this and would recommend it! Special Thank You to S.A. Falk, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

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This author sure knows how to give punches in the plot. I loved the character building but especially the suspense and raw emotion with the characters. It leaves you guessing right till the end on how did all the murders. There are not many books out there on DID so it was great to see that this was a primary focus. Highly recommend.

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Overall, the book was fantastic! I really liked how this book had a lot of information on mental health, DID, and a lot of the politics in the justice system. Because of that, though, the story kind of stalled throughout the middle with not much happening plot-wise. Once things picked up in the last 1/4, I was brought back in and enjoyed the ending.

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Thank you for allowing me to review this title. Initially I found the beginning very slow and I couldn't get into the story. However, I persevered and soon found that it was difficult to put the book down. Sharon Stone the Forensic Psychologist was not easily put off by the obstacles placed in her way. She also had her own hidden secret which was affecting her ability to analyse her client. This story has to be read to the end, as the twist at the end caught me out.
Although this story was quite deep and at times complex, it was definitely compulsive reading.

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An epic read delving into the dark depths of the psyche. This was made an even tougher read as the forensic psychiatrist Sharon Stevenson not only has to decide whether an accused killer is fit to stand trial, but also stay impartial after the disappearance of her teenage daughter. Will Sharon get answers to what happened to her daughter as well as get justice for the other victims of the accused? Well written, gripping and interesting; a great read.

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What a great book! This was different from the normal thrillers. It was an intriguing book that follows forensic psychiatrist Sharon and her death row patient Kevin. Sharon works with him to see if he can be deemed competent to stand trial. Kevin appears to have multiple personalities as well as memory loss, and Sharon is dealing with her own issues.

This was such a well thought out plot. It was twisty, and the ending was unexpected. The characters were written in a way that had me completely invested in what would happen with them and their storylines. I found myself thoroughly engrossed the entire ride! This was fast-paced and full of suspense, and I truly enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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An addictive thriller which I throughly enjoyed. It was an on-the-edge-of-your-seat read. I raced through this one. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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S.A. Falk does it again! Another gripping psychological thriller, with twists & turns. This book kept me guessing, at times made my mind spin! Who is the Blue River Strangler? Is Kevin messing with Dr. Sharon Stevenson’s head? Will anyone believe Dr. Stevenson’s diagnosis? So many questions, with many unexpected answers. Looking forward to the next book will pull me in!

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A psychological thriller set mostly in Wyoming . Sharon is a forensic psychiatrist assessing Kevin who has confessed to killing 28 women. She is not convinced that he is mentally fit to stand trial and to undergo the death penalty, but has trouble convincing others involved in the case that he has serious mental problems. Apart from the first part of the book, the plot is told from Sharon's point of view and she becomes obsessed by her need to stop Kevin undergoing the death penalty. It is slow reading for much of the book, the action picks up after about 150 pages. Though interesting from a psychological point of view, the investigation is not really detailed and the killer is convicted on his own confession. This book does highlight an underclass society in the US where young people disappear into a life of drug abuse and services do not always provide the necessary care.
Not a bad book, though I would have preferred a couple of different angles on the investigation. Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

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