James Caine’s The Patient's List is a gripping psychological thriller that combines suspense, mystery, and emotional depth. The story follows Dr. Rina Kent, a once-promising psychiatrist at Holy Saints Hospital whose life spiraled after the tragic suicide of one of her patients. A year later, Rina is struggling with guilt, her career in decline, and her marriage in ruins. When Amy, a mute and neurodivergent teenage girl, is admitted to the psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, Rina sees an opportunity for redemption. However, things take a chilling turn when Amy whispers a list of names to Rina—names tied to a series of murders, including Rina’s ex-husband.

Caine excels at crafting a fast-paced and suspenseful narrative filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the shocking conclusion. The plot is layered with red herrings and breadcrumb clues that make the final twist both surprising and satisfying. The juxtaposition of Rina’s personal struggles with the escalating danger adds emotional weight to the story, making it more than just a standard thriller.

The character development is strong, particularly for Rina. Her flaws and vulnerabilities make her relatable, even as she makes questionable decisions that blur ethical boundaries. While some readers may find her actions frustrating at times, they add complexity to her character and highlight the psychological toll of her past trauma.

Amy’s character is equally compelling, with her silence and cryptic journal entries adding an eerie atmosphere to the story. The exploration of themes like guilt, redemption, and the impact of neurodivergence enriches the narrative without detracting from the suspense.

While the novel’s pacing is generally strong, some sections may feel slightly rushed or underdeveloped. A few readers noted that certain plot points could have benefited from more detail or explanation. However, these minor critiques do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

In conclusion, The Patient's List is an addictive and well-constructed thriller that delivers on its promise of suspense and intrigue. With its engaging characters, unexpected twists, and emotional depth, it is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. James Caine proves his skill as a storyteller in this compelling tale of danger and redemption.

i was kinda excited for this book. read the synopsis and it sounded interesting.it wasnt. it was poorly excuted and the plot was kinda messy. i really didnt connected nor liked the charectrs.

A good gripping read with a good amount of tension. A good thriller that ticks along nicely and has some good twists.

My patient committed suicide and I feel like I am to blame. When a teenage girl comes to see me feeling suicidal she has a list of names, the last one being my ex husband. Why? What does he have to do with it? The answer will leave you gobsmacked.

I can not recommend this book enough! What a journey the writer takes you on. Absolutely love it! Can not wait to read more from this author.

The Patient's List by James Caine was not for me to be honest. I found it a little boring! Thankful to read this before it was published but it will be a pass for me! Thank you!

The new patient whispered a list of names. One by one they're each dying. Rina Kent was the new hot shot psychiatrist at Holy Saints ward. She also recently married the love of her life, who's also a doctor at the same hospital. Rina felt on top of the world, until one of her patients committed suicide. Rina knows it was her fault. A year later, her marriage has already gone down in flames. All she has left is her patients, but she's lost her confidence to help them. When a suicidal teenaged girl comes to her ward, Rina sees a second chance to help the patient she couldn't save. The new girl won't say a word to anyone though and Rina's colleagues already feel she's a lost cause. She begins to wonder if her peers are right, when one night the girl shyly walks up to Rina and whispers a list of names. What Rina can't understand is why the last name she says is her ex-husband's.
This book was a great thrill ride all the way from the mysterious prologue to the very unexpected ending. Fast paced and full of twists, it was a great quick read and I highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

A short sharp thriller that I felt could have used a bit more padding. The concept was good and I thought I was going to love it from the blurb but sadly it just missed something for me and the characters felt a bit shallow so I couldn’t connect. Quick read though with a god mystery element!

This book has a palpable tension that keeps the pages turning…..simply brilliant… I had to finish this marvelous thriller in one sitting! Taut and incredibly suspenseful, every moment is perfectly crafted to keep me wanting more.

I loved this book, loved the suspense, loved the psychiatric ward setting. Eerie, dark and full of suspense, this is one you don't want to miss!

This intrigued me from the outset. A none verbal autistic patient is sectioned and presents a challenge to physiatrist Rina Kent. One night during a power cut she comes up to the Dr and whispers four names into her ear the last of which is her ex husband. Soon afterwards the first person on the list is murdered. This book was very suspenseful and I read it in one day.

The Patient's List by James Caine - 4/5

Rina Kent is a caring psychiatrist who has her life thrown for loop when one of her patients commits suicide. This story had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen next and how Rina Kent would react. This story is filled with tons of twists and turns, which add to that adrenaline feelings as you read. If you love stories with suspense, tension and left wondering what is going to happen this a great story for you to dive into.

The plot in this book was pretty good. It was very entertaining in parts. I would definitely read this again someday soon. It was a fun and quick read

Quick, fun read! Not much of the substance I was craving to match the synopsis, however it was entertaining enough to be a 24 hour, popcorn read.

The plot was captivating, thrilling but felt a little farfetched toward the end. This wasn't due to poor execution of the plot points but just how unexpected it was. It felt very far off, a little overdramatic. It also didn't make a lot of sense why Rina was constantly being thrown into the middle of the drama. I can't give more details without giving spoilers but it was still a very good read. There was tension, suspense and a massive plot twist - all ingredients of a great mystery. Would definitely recommend to others.

Amazing book!!!!twists and turns at every page turn ...throughly enjoyed this book I would give it a 10 out of 10 any day of the week!!!! Very interesting plot aswell!!!!!

Pretty good book the flow was good I liked the characters it was another new author for me and I went in blind and it did not disappoint

Rina Kent, a caring, thoughtful psychiatrist, is living her best life. She has a job she loves and excels at Holy Saints Hospital, and she has recently married another doctor employed at the hospital. She prides herself on engaging with her patients and forging relationships with them and it rocks her to her core when one of her patients commits suicide. What happened? Rina’s life tumbles down around her. Her confidence in her abilities is shaken, she finds that her new husband has cheated on her, and she loses out on a job promotion that should have been hers. A niece of a colleague is admitted to the psych ward and although Rina declines to be assigned to the case, she eventually becomes connected with Amy. During a chance encounter, the previously nonverbal patient states a list of names, one them being Rina’s ex-husband, Jonas Kent. Rina strives to discover why her husband is on this whispered list of names. What follows is death and intrigue. There was an ending that I did not see coming. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a good, fast paced mystery with an engaging story from start to finish. The only thing I didn't care for was some of the characters; though they were well developed, I couldn't find a handhold on them. Regardless, I'd highly recommend it for lovers of dark mysteries.

The story has a good premise, however it is poorly written and the characters are unrealatable. It was difficult to get through this book and I really tried to like it.