What a brilliantly told story!

This book was engaging from the very beginning. Telling two stories which eventually connected. So many details which were revealed bit by bit.

I never would have guessed the ending, although there were unfinished parts which could have led to an educated guess. But it was so masterfully written, you could really only find out when the author wanted you to.

A solid 5 stars and I would love to read more by this author.

This is the first novel I’ve read by Emma Curtis and it was a gripping and compelling read.
The novel starts with the storyline of newly qualified psychiatrist Dr Geddes who has an unsettling final session with her patient, Ben. There is a dual narrative set amongst a middle class community in West London where Lorna begins a friendship with Elise, the wife of Lorna’s teenage crush Dexter.
I was completely immersed in both storylines and had no idea how they were linked. I was completely shocked by the clever reveal.
This is a brilliantly plotted and well paced novel that I really enjoyed. I did find a section towards the end a little ridiculous but the ending itself was satisfying.
A real page turner that I would recommend.
3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

Thank you to @netgalley and @atlanticbooks for letting me read this before release date.

Dr. Geddes, a psychiatrist at a renowned clinic, is carefully crafting her future. But when a session with a troubled young man unearths a secret she thought was buried, her carefully constructed life begins to fracture.

Meanwhile, Lorna Chilcott is thrilled to reconnect with her teenage crush—through his elegant and enigmatic wife, Elise. Their blossoming friendship seems idyllic, until Lorna’s daughter vanishes shortly after visiting Elise’s home. What was once admiration quickly turns into suspicion.

Two women. Two unraveling lives. One devastating lie at the center—capable of destroying everything.

This was a great read that I finished in one day. So well brought together at the end and written really well. Such a binge worthy read. Some characters you didn’t know if you loved or hated them and some twists I didn’t see coming at all.

Due out October 2025. Definitely one for the TBR. And can we just appreciate the cover.

Gripping and addictive! So many twists and turns ! Loved it and I read it in one sitting. Would definitely recommend as a good holiday read

This book has two storylines. In one, Dr Geddes, the psychiatrist gets into a situation with Ben, a difficult patient. In the other part, Lorna, an estate agent, befriends Elise and her family when they move to the same town.
There are lots of twists to the story, some of the characters have a complicated history.
In the second part of the book, we find out the connections. It is well written and fast paced and I read it quickly.
Good.

Review of ‘The Psychiatrist’ by Emma Curtis, due to be published on 2 October 2025 by Atlantic Books.

A story told across two different threads - one with Dr Geddes a psychiatrist who is treating a young patient, Ben, who leaves her feeling unnerved by his presence - and one with Lorna, mum to two children who strikes up a friendship with her new neighbour, Elise, who is married to a former singer, and has an unruly child.

This was a deliciously slow burning dark thriller, which left me wondering how the stories would entwine, and when the connection was exposed, I did not see it coming.

A fabulous story with well developed characters and strong female protagonists, and revenge at its core. A highly recommended read.

This is another clever psychological thriller by Emma Curtis. It comes with a fantastic ending and plenty of twists.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I've read a few books by this author now and always really enjoy them. This one was no exception. I look forward to her next book, and in the meantime will work my way through her older ones!

This book is more than just a story is a complete human drama.

told in two timelines Dr Geddes is a brilliant and reputable psychiatrist and when she starts treating a man with more than enough life issues she finds that her repuatation is soon shattered.

Lorna is a mother of two and is friends with Elise, however when her child goes missing this friendship is tested to the limits and dark secrets and emotions are unearthed for all involved.

This is a dark, I would say thriller, it uncovers what people would do to keep themselves and their secrets safe.

I was amazed with the twists and in awe of the author who has written a book that just keeps giving..

Emma Curtis is an automatic pick for me when looking for good well written content and so I was thrilled to be able to read an advanced copy of The Psychiatrist. There are two storylines wrapped around each other that are linked together somehow and whilst I worked out quite early on what that link was, it was still a gripping and engaging read. Definitely not one of my favourites from this author but still enjoyable.

Great book by Emma Curtis. This book really will have you questioning mental health professionals. There is a surprise twist at the end.

Brilliant story which will hook you from the start. The character of Amy (the psychiatrist of the title) is a tragic figure as is her mum Lorna. Both lives spiral out of control because of a lie. Involving Dexter. A predator from the past and present. His wife Elise is a cold hard character who is integral to the plot. As is her son. I’m trying not to give too much away as the plot ties up perfectly by the end. It’s pacy, intriguing and clever and this won’t be the last book I’ll read by this author. Thank you for the eARC NetGalley Corvus books and the author herself. This could easily be adapted for the screen in the future. Denise x

Two families, one lie, no forgiveness.

In an affluent London suburb, two perfect families' lives are shattered by a scandal.
Meanwhile, newly qualified psychiatrist Amy struggles with her own demons after a chilling encounter with a patient.

A single lie connects these traumatic events, with deadly consequences...

I'm obsessed with Emma Curtis' new book 'The Psychiatrist'! A gripping, dark and twisted story that I couldn't put down. Highly recommended, especially if you love a good twist!

Emma Curtis is a genius - I devour every book she writes! 💓
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Thanks @netgalley @emmacurtisauthor and @atlanticbooks for my arc
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

I’ve read a couple of the authors’ previous books, so I was really excited to receive her newest novel. Emma has a magical touch when it comes to creating interwoven plots and family dynamics but the most magic is created by the way she has managed, with every book I’ve read, to weave in these huge thought provoking questions that sit in your brain for days after.

Dr Amy Geddes is a recently qualified psychiatrist,  trying to build her career in the field when she takes on a client that threatens to expose her biggest secret.

Alongside Dr. Geddes, local Estate Agent Lorna is over the moon to have befriended the famous Elise, the wife of her childhood crush, an ex pop star. Things soon change when, on leaving Elise’s home, Lorna’s daughter disappears.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading how these two characters and their separate lives were tangled together and how they came together at the end.

This was definitely a slow burn, and I will admit, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d actually stick with it to start with, but I am so glad I followed my gut and stuck with it because the pacing and tension soon picked up.

Whilst the characters were really interesting,  I can’t say that I actually connected with any of them of felt they were relatable, but, that’s a personal perspective.

Told in dual timelines with multiple POVs. This is definitely a story you need to commit and focus on. It’s quite easy to lose track of who, what, why, and when!

I really enjoyed this book, but I can’t say it was my favourite.  It was quite predictable, and I did pretty much guess the main plot twists very early into the book but in all honesty it didn’t take away the enjoyment of the read or the fact it was a really well written story.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Corvus for the ARC.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from Netgalley. This book was more of a family drama than a thriller, but it was an engaging read. Curtis foreshadows the revelations skillfully, so while the twists weren't surprising, they didn't feel predictable. Divided into two strands at the start, Lorna and Amy's stories wove together perfectly, and it was interesting watching the story play out.

From the beginning I thought there were two timelines at play, as the book progressed this became more evident. We end up realising there will be a link between them but exactly what that is remains a secret for a bit longer. I enjoyed this and ended up working out what the inevitable reveal and twist would be, I still enjoyed the read despite this. Some of the actions, especially by Lorna, were unbelievable and bordering on ridiculous which was a shame.
The characters are certainly interesting and I enjoyed the multiple twists to this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Books for an advance copy.

This felt like two stories at first; you have the Lorna storyline and the Dr Geddes storyline. I presumed they would merge at one point but I didn’t expect the twist when they did.

This was an enjoyable, gripping psychological thriller. There were several twists in the second half of the book. I could never have predicted how it would end.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atlantic Books for the ARC.

Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.

I really enjoyed this taut psychological thriller from Emma Curtis which is told from multiple points of view. This story makes you question the choices we make in life and the paths they set us on.

I liked the characters in this book and how the storyline unfolded for each one.

I'd recommend this book if you are a psychological thriller fan.

I love when a book totally catches me off guard, and this one did that so many times! Emma Curtis really nailed it with this one—honestly, I think it’s her best book yet.

The story’s told from multiple points of view, and at first you’re not quite sure how it’s all going to come together. But that’s part of what makes it so good. Each character has their own flaws and story, and it’s fascinating watching it all slowly click into place.

It also really makes you think about the choices we make—how crossing certain lines, no matter how young or old we are, can have big consequences later in life. The paths we choose can stick with us in ways we don’t expect.

The pacing is spot on too—there’s never a dull moment. It’s one of those books you just don’t want to put down. If you’re into twisty, character-driven reads, definitely give this one a go!

⸻

Dr Geddes is a divorcee, living in the flat she shared with her ex husband, over looking Gladwell Grove, a sought after place to live. She is a recently qualified psychiatrist, and is successfully building her career. She has just had a last session with one of her male patients, and, as he is no longer her patient, he pays her an unexpected compliment which leaves her feeling rather uncomfortable. Later, she encounters him again, which leads to him making accusations against her.
Lorna Chilcott is married with a young son, and has an older daughter living with them from her first marriage. Lorna is an estate agent who would love to live in Gladwell Grove herself. A new couple have moved into the grove, and Lorna and her husband are invited to a party there. She realises it is a lead singer of a band, who she used to have a crush on in her teenage years. She makes friends with his wife, Elise, and is often invited to the house, very pleased to be accepted by the famous couple.
Then, Lorna's daughter goes missing, after being at Elise's house. Accusations fly, and old secrets come to light. The past events of the lives of the characters in this book are entwined, and I was enthralled by the twisted plot which kept me avidly turning the pages to find out more.
An addictive thriller.
Thank you for my advance copy.