Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“Keep The Doctor Away” by James Caine is a chilling psychological thriller that masterfully blends suspense, paranoia, and the eerie isolation of a secluded island. This novel takes readers on a harrowing journey through the life of Lily Parker, whose world is turned upside down when her husband, Dr. Parker, accepts a prestigious position at the enigmatic Northwind Clinic.

Lily Parker’s life seems to be on an upward trajectory when her husband becomes the new plastic surgeon at Northwind Clinic, a facility known for its discretion and high-profile clientele. However, the clinic’s remote island location soon reveals itself to be more of a prison than a paradise. As Lily settles into her new home, she begins to notice strange occurrences and unsettling behaviors among the staff and patients. 

James Caine excels in creating complex and relatable characters. Lily Parker is a well-rounded protagonist whose transformation from a supportive spouse to a determined survivor is both believable and compelling. Her growing sense of unease and determination to uncover the truth drive the narrative forward. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic Dr. Parker and the mysterious clinic staff, add layers of intrigue and suspicion, keeping readers guessing about their true intentions.

Caine’s writing is crisp and evocative, effectively capturing the claustrophobic atmosphere of the island and the mounting dread that Lily experiences. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, more introspective scenes that allow for character development and plot progression. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, enhancing the overall tension and suspense.

“Keep The Doctor Away” explores themes of trust, deception, and the psychological impact of isolation. The novel delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. It also raises questions about the ethics of medical practices and the vulnerability of those who place their trust in healthcare professionals.

Note: Some plot twists may be predictable for seasoned thriller readers. The ending may feel abrupt to some readers.

“Keep The Doctor Away” is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. James Caine has crafted a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, with a protagonist who is easy to root for. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or new to the genre, this novel is sure to provide a satisfying and chilling read.

Really gripping and had me on the edge of my seat throughout! It’s full of jaw dropping twists!
Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC

The premise and ideas behind this book have so much potential, but somewhere along the way it just fell flat for me. Without giving away too many spoilers, the twist of the story really did feel like it could be happening somewhere tucked away from prying eyes!!

I like the short, fast-paced chapters that fill the book, but the characters and dialogue felt very two dimensional and unbelievable.

I DO however think this could do excellent as a limited TV series… I feel like the suspense would translate well? Overall, this book wasn’t my favorite, but I did finish it pretty quickly. Regardless of my opinion, I am thankful to the publisher and author for this ARC!

2.5⭐️

A plastic surgeon for the elite? Yes! Count me in. The clinic is located on a secluded island. Everything is perfect, until it’s not. After a guest jumps from a balcony, questions are asked about what is really happening. A thrilling and suspenseful read.

I think this book was his best yet! It was a page turner from the beginning to the end. The Story kept me guessing throughout.

When a new surgeon and his wife move to a secluded island for his new job, there's no way this housewife couldn't have realized the dark secrets hidden within.

Best way to describe this book is Stepford Wives meets Dexter.

Truly loved this book. It gives you just backstory enough in the beginning pages without ruining the element of surprise. I was able to finish this book in two days because it's just that damned good!

Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC of #KeepTheDoctorAway by James Caine. This baby just hit shelves Sept 9th! Pour a glass of wine and cancel your plans!

Uh actually I don’t know what to expect for this book because I Was really disappointed in this because there’s so many plot holes. For an example it keeps saying,
“They are coming for you”

Coming for you for what exactly? Even though the synopsis was promising, when I started to read this it became very disturbing. But again, all the things about surgeries and all were so unrealistic, I almost stopped reading the book.

This is the first book by James Caine I have read, and it was such a treat! The plot is particularly disturbing, and sometimes I was so mad at some of these characters. I will say evoking strong emotions makes reading books so much more enjoyable. If you are looking for a quick read, that will get your blood pumping, this is the one. I know I will be looking for his other books.

I absolutely love James Caine's books. They are full of crazy twists and turns and thoroughly enjoyable. Lily Parker and her husband David have gotten the opportunity of a lifetime. Move to an island that treats high-profile celebrities and rich patients. Strange things happen the first night they are there and I didn't guess at all what was really happening until much further in the book. Definitely a great read and I always read his books as soon as I see them.

Great book. Couldn't put it down. Read it in one sitting. Was invested from the get go. Five stars hands down.

Book Review: Keep The Doctor Away by James Caine
Keep The Doctor Away by James Caine is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that plays with the tension of isolation, secrecy, and paranoia. The story follows Lily Parker, whose life takes a dark turn when her husband accepts a prestigious position as the new plastic surgeon at Northwind Clinic, a secluded island facility for the rich and famous. From the moment she arrives, Lily feels that something is off, and her suspicions grow as she’s watched by cameras, guarded by security, and surrounded by tall walls that trap her in this mysterious place.
Caine builds suspense as Lily's unease escalates, and the death of a clinic worker only deepens the sense of foreboding. The whispered warning from the dying woman—“You shouldn’t have come here”—launches Lily into a web of questions about the true nature of Northwind Clinic and the people around her.
While the plot is engaging and keeps readers turning the pages, it's not entirely plausible, often feeling like a plot-driven roller coaster rather than a nuanced, character-focused narrative. There are moments where you might think you're watching a Lifetime movie in book form: suspenseful, dramatic, but at times, lacking depth or realism. Nevertheless, the novel delivers in terms of entertainment, making it an easy and satisfying read for anyone who enjoys light thrillers with a hint of psychological tension.
If you’re looking for a thriller that will keep you engaged without requiring too much suspension of disbelief, Keep The Doctor Away might just be the perfect beach read or weekend escape.

I just finished the best psychological thriller book. Keep The Doctor Away was a great read that kept me guessing until the end.

4⭐️

ARC READ. This was so good! I really enjoyed this book, it really is a page turner that keeps you guessing all the way with short chapters and suspense at the end of each chapter it really is a great read and exactly what you want from a thriller! It was chilling, suspenseful and really keeps making you guess what is going on!

I really enjoyed the descriptions of the island and I think the author did a great job and making you envision what the island looked like and gave it a real spooky feel! There was some parts of the book where I was generally so freaked out and I loved that what happened in the book didn’t come out of nowhere like some thrillers do, there was little breadcrumbs along the way that makes you so mad you didn’t pick up on what was happening!🤣

I did, unfortunately drop a star as personally I found the ending too rushed, I would’ve loved for this to be longer! And I think there was still a few bits not answered by the end sadly, which I would have loved this to have been longer as it kinda felt the ending was the last 10% of the book and it really could’ve been soooo much better if it was longer and more suspense! But overall a really great book I loved it!

Lily Parker's life is turned upside down when her husband takes a job as a plastic surgeon at a secluded clinic on an island. As she discovers strange and unsettling things about the clinic, including a mysterious death and ominous warnings, Lily becomes paranoid and starts questioning the safety of her new home and the people around her.

This book by James was truly exceptional and did not disappoint! It was a quick read filled with suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. The intricate plot and well-developed characters made it difficult to determine who to trust.

The isolated setting on an island heightened the eerie atmosphere of the story, and the unexpected twist at the end left me in disbelief. If you are looking for a gripping read that will captivate you from the start and keep you hooked until the very end, then this book is must-read. With plenty of unexpected turns, the ending is both tragic and fitting, leaving a lasting impression.

Thank you, ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

this was a fast-paced, chilling read that had me hooked right from the start. i loved the pace of this book and the different twists and turns. the ending felt a bit rushed to me, but the overall story was really good. not sure if there’s a sequel in the future, but i’d love to tune in for the next one!

The premise of this book interested me immediately but unfortunately thats where my interest ended. The writing was lacklustre and boring, the characters were outlandish and unbelievable and the plot itself wasn’t original. Thankfully the plot moved very quickly, otherwise I think I would have DNF’d this book. I wish there was more detail and more imagery for the book, the entire thing felt very flat.

I really enjoyed this one! For those of you who like to read creepy, scary books for Halloween, I highly recommend this one! I did not see the ending coming!

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my review.

Creepy, chilling, and intense!. James Caine delivers an original, fast-paced, and entertaining story with a nail-biting conclusion. I could absolutely see this as a mini-series or movie. This is a quick and satisfying read that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

"Keep the Doctor Away" is my first book by James Caine, but certainly not my last. Thrillers are my preferred genre, and this book has cemented my interest in Caine's work. The premise of a clandestine plastic surgery clinic on a remote island sets the stage for suspense.

Dr. David Parker, struggling to find work post-graduation, receives an invitation from a former mentor to join a prestigious plastic surgery clinic on an isolated island catering to an elite clientele. For David, this opportunity seems like a dream come true, a chance to finally enjoy the fruits of his labor alongside his wife, Lily.

However, their arrival on the island marks the beginning of a series of unfortunate events, starting with the harrowing suicide of a woman who ominously warns Lily that leaving is not an option.

Engrossing from the outset, "Keep the Doctor Away" is a chilling narrative that kept me riveted with its unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to put down.

Shew, what a wild ride this one took me on. I was not expecting that plot twist!! What a great way to wrap up that ending!