Alicia Berenson’s husband Gabriel had been murdered, shot in the face while tied to a chair. Alicia was found stood by him, covered in his blood, a gun close by. Alicia doesn’t speak a word.

She is then found guilty of the murder and institutionalised, silent.

Theo, a psychotherapist, joins The Grove and shows an interest in helping Alicia, to get her to speak again. Maybe she wasn’t guilty after all. He is given her diary, which tells of an unknown man, watching her, but no one believes her as something similar had happened after the death of her father.

The story is cleverly written, by Alex Michaelides, with chapters from Alicia before the murder, and from Theo’s perspective as her therapist, along with his own personal issues.

I know this is a cliche, but I really couldn’t put it down and finished it late at night. There are some really original twists and turns with great characters in this fast paced psychological thriller. Brilliant.

I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

Hey....I think there is always a feeling, when a new book is so hyped, that you should be enjoying it more than you are! I felt like this about ‘The Woman In The Window’ and have to admit about this as well
Basically the story is about a woman (Alicia) who is in a psychiatric facility after she is found guilty of murdering her husband, and refuses to speak, she hasn’t uttered a word since the Police arrived....along comes a new psychotherapist ( Theo) who is determined to make her do so and get to the truth
The whole story is then really about him ( in more of a detective role tbh ) looking into her past and her family and trying to piece together her life before the event, much of this is unnecessary to the story and brings nothing to it...although some of the characters are interesting they ultimately just act as annoying red herrings and their stories go nowhere
Alicia was ( is ) a famous painter and theres quite a bit of waffle about paintings and if art is not your interest ( as isn’t mine ) this, although crucial to the story, becomes tedious
Its hard to form an opinion of Alicia until the end as she doesn’t speak and Theo is annoying in his self importance
I found the book drifted off at some points, I found I did too!!
However the ending when everything becomes apparent is clever and blindsided me ( I started to wonder at 90% just before it ‘all came out’), the book then makes much more sense although still left me thinking ‘ all that, for that’
I am guessing a lot of people will love it but for me its an average read with a formidable ‘twist’ but wouldn’t ruffle my top reads this year

I am so grateful that my wonderful fellow blogger and book lover shared her competition win from Twitter with me because once finishing this sampler you need to know what happened next!
This is going to be huge-why did Alicia Berenson kill her artist husband with no indication before hand that there was anything amiss in their picture perfect marriage? Why will she not speak? Why does Theo Faber think that he, of all people can get her to talk and if he does, will he want to hear what she has to say?
This is absolutely going to be one of those books that has everyone talking and devouring it right to the very end. Phones will go unanswered, texts not replied to, children will be eating stuff on toast. You will need to know what happened to 'The Silent Patient'.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Orion books for this sampler in return for an honest review.

The Silent Patient is a gripping and enjoyable psychological thriller. I was intrigued with the cover and also the description of the book so after reading it, I’m so glad I requested it.
I couldn’t put the book down, one more page turned to 3 chapters later.
The entire book flows brilliantly and it keeps the suspense going right to the last page.
Just when you thought you knew what was happening, then comes the twist. And I mean a twist. I don’t know if I was shocked in a good way or a bad way but once getting past that twist and understanding what’s happened, it’s brilliant.
If you want a gripping and a good page turning book, this is for you.

Having seen a lot of good reviews about this book I was in 2 minds whether to read it. sometimes the books that have the most hype are not always the best books and can be quite a disappointment.

I was held captive and read it in 1 sitting.

Alicia is standing covered in blood next to her dead husband Gabriel, who has been shot in the face several times. The obvious scenario is that she shot him?

Alicia was taken to a psychiatric facility called The Grove, where she has not spoken for 6 years. Will the truth ever be revealed and will She ever speak again!!

A new Psychiatrist Theo arrives at The Grove determined that he can help Alicia and win her trust, so that she will speak again. He investigates her past and becomes obsessed with finding out the truth.

This story takes us on a journey with an abundance of twists and turns that left me speechless at the end. I really did not expect that outcome and had to re-read it as I still can’t believe what just happened. I needed a lie down in a dark room to recover!!!

A must read book that deserves more than 5 stars. Please believe the hype as this is going to be a massive hit. Clear you’re diary first as you won’t want to put this down!!

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

I’ve just finished the sampler, however I’ve now been sent the full copy and I can’t wait to read on. The initial chapter has left me intrigued and desperate to find out more. The writing is hugely accomplished, so much so that I can’t believe this is a debut novel.

I only had the opening chapters to read, but what an opening.- a brutal and unexplained murder of a husband, by his artist wife. Unfortunately Alicia Berenson refuses to speak and explain her actions. The murder becomes a cause célèbre and attracts the the attention of forensic psychotherapist Theo Faber. Theo is convinced he can get Alicia to speak, but why should he succeed where so many others have failed, and if he does, what exactly will be revealed.. With such a dramatic opening and engaging story line, how could I not want to read the rest?

'The Silent Patient' is a pacey and enjoyable pyschological thriller, and I must admit, I found myself compelled to keep reading this novel, even waking up in the middle of the night thinking, 'Just a couple more pages', so much so that I devoured it in a couple of days. The narrative voice carries you along with ease and I was as invested as Theo in hearing what Alicia had to say if/when she finally spoke.

And then the twist! I was on the train commuting to work, and audible gasped drawing the attention of my fellow commuters - oops. However, I can't work our whether the twist was brilliant, or a bit annoying in its premise It would spoil the plot to go further, but really it is only a minor point that didn't really, on the surface of it, affect my reading experience.

In short, a gripping, read-it-in-one-session page turner.

So with only an excerpt to go on, I will say from what I've tasted so far of this book, I can't wait to read the full thing, reeling you in from the beginning, I'M HOOKED, look forward to reading the full story!

I enjoyed reading this book. Different from the norm which is refreshing and intriguing. Did not see the twist coming which was great as I usually do. Would definitely recommend this novel and look forward to his next book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

A gripping psychological thriller with a dramatic twist.

This is a story of understanding reached by breaking through a barrier of silence. Psychotherapist Theo Faber is trying to understand his mute patient and admits that, in the process, he is also trying to understand himself. But why? What do they have in common? The patient in question is Alicia Berenson, a psychiatric patient who killed her husband and hasn't spoken since. The story unfolds partly through Alicia's diary, partly through Theo's account of events. Alicia and Theo share similar troubled childhoods, both having had seriously unloving parents. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that they share much more than that. Your feelings for the vivid and complex characters of Alicia and Theo veer between sympathy and revulsion as their lives are recounted.

The story of Alcestis, subject of a classical Greek play by Euripides, is integral to the story-line but don't let this put you off. Simply explained in the book, it's theme is a woman's self-sacrifice for her husband. Alcestis and Alicia have much in common, not least their silence.

Alex Michaelides' training in psychotherapy and psychology is evident in the details of Alicia's treatment and Theo's professional practice. Michaelides is better known as a screenwriter, his most famous film being The Devil You Know, starring Rosamond Pike. This is his first novel, hopefully the first of many.

This is a book to read, then re-read so that you can pick up the clues. Outstanding! What an ending! Will make a great film.

I read the sampler, but won the whole book as part of a competition. I struggled to believe that The Silent patient is a debut novel, the way it is written suggested a highly experienced author. I enjoyed the read from page one. I devoured it in one sitting, I could not for the life of me put the book down and carry on my day without knowing the full story behind the apparent murder of Gabriel and the accused Alicia. Te Silent Patient was one of the best reads I've had the pleasure of taking to bed this year! Alex Michaelides has a brilliant mind for creating original page turners and I really do look forward to reading his future work!

3.5 stars. I feel bad not giving this 4 stars as i thoroughly enjoyed reading it, which is ultimately surely the point of a book. The narator's voice was compelling and truly did want to find out what had happened, who was who etc. But if did all fall apart in the final few pages, when the unravelling just wasn't convincing. That in inteslf isn't a problem as many thrillers and mysteries have conclusions that stretch credibility, but are so convincingly set up, argued out and presented, it ultimately doesn't matter (Gone Girl, for example). But this one, although believable in terms of character, just wasn't cleverly played out or presented and ultimately left me feeling let down. Nonethless, I reckon by book 3 Michaelides will have nailed the issue so i will probably revisit his future works

This is a taught psychological thriller that draws you in and keeps you guessing right to its, for me, unpredictable end. I couldn’t put it down.
Why did Alicia Berenson shoot and kill the husband she love? Why has she not uttered a word since it happened?
Theo is a therapist, newly employed, at The Grove where Alicia is being held. He believes he can help her and discover the truth surrounding the night of the murder. Not everyone is convinced by his approach. Alicia has written a diary which no one has seen to date, she chooses to share this with Theo and events move on rapidly. Who is telling the truth? How damaged is Alicia?
Great read, loved it and highly recommend it. Can’t wait for more from this author.

Well I did not see that twist, but then when I think back now - I so should have seen it coming! It was great how it all came together at the end & I couldn’t wait to figure out what had really happened. Gripping read & the ending was well worth the wait

A very interesting and captivating psychological drama, I really enjoyed this book. I found the writing to be quite simple at times but this did not detract from the enjoyment of the story.

Mystery maintained definitely until the end. Fantastic book, loved the characters even though one doesn't speak.
Quite a refreshing thriller with new ideas.
Reminded me somewhat of one flew over the cuckoo's nest,I would be drawn to more thrillers by @Alex Michaelides

This is a totally enthralling book which draws you in almost immediately and holds your interest throughout. The majority of characters are not likeable but their complexities make them interesting and original.

The two main characters interact surprisingly well considering one of them doesn't speak. The use of her diary gives Alicia a voice and her opinions on the people and happenings which devastated her life are enlightening.  The ending was brilliantly done but was almost a shame as I would have happily kept reading.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this novel thanks to Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review and recommend it highly.

A lot of hype behind this title and it delivers a great read. Moving between Theo Faber, a forensic psychotherapist and the diary of the patient Alicia who has remained silent since shooting her husband five times in the chest the author paces this novel well and the twists and reveals are cleverly handled. Impressive.

This novel is a world class psychological thriller. It is in a league of its own, as we weave and pace our way through the unnerving pages which uncover what really happened on the night in question. Theo Faber is a beacon, blindingly willing and capable to draw Alicia out of her verbal darkness. Alicia Berenson is a shadowed casing of her past self, her voice weighed down by the overwhelming death of her husband.
Michaelides has navigated us through two rich narratives of both Theo and Alicia, providing us the ‘knowledge’ to conclude this silenced crime. The legitimacy of those around both Alicia and Theo are put into question, as we realise that those closest are at the best advantage to do the worst to us. The continuity of these perspectives is an aspect of this novel I underestimated, seemingly evading my first instincts.
This is an excellent novel I would wholeheartedly recommend to any individual wishing to satisfy their psych-thriller needs!


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