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The Patient
The things he fears the most are the ones inside his head.
Ten years ago, James Owens was convicted of a murder he couldn’t remember committing. Now, finally released from the mental institution where he’s served his time, he is placed under house arrest in the sprawling family home he has inherited from his father.
Living in isolation, visited only by his therapist, parole officer, and supportive but controlling twin Janet, he at least has something resembling peace. But he is still haunted by hallucinations, nightmares, and bizarre memories which may or may not be real.
Strange sounds in the house, and objects which disappear or are mysteriously damaged all add to his fear that he is sliding into uncontrolled insanity again.
But is he? Or is his fragile mental state being manipulated by someone with a sinister agenda of their own?
When tragedy strikes, James must go on a journey that will force him to confront the past – and the haunted depths of his own tortured soul.
Ten years ago, James Owens was convicted of a murder he couldn’t remember committing. Now, finally released from the mental institution where he’s served his time, he is placed under house arrest in the sprawling family home he has inherited from his father.
Living in isolation, visited only by his therapist, parole officer, and supportive but controlling twin Janet, he at least has something resembling peace. But he is still haunted by hallucinations, nightmares, and bizarre memories which may or may not be real.
Strange sounds in the house, and objects which disappear or are mysteriously damaged all add to his fear that he is sliding into uncontrolled insanity again.
But is he? Or is his fragile mental state being manipulated by someone with a sinister agenda of their own?
When tragedy strikes, James must go on a journey that will force him to confront the past – and the haunted depths of his own tortured soul.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2023
639 people are currently reading
1113 people want to read
About the author
Cole Baxter
46 books371 followersCole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It's all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
October 15, 2023
I really enjoyed my first Cole Baxter thriller!
I love medical thrillers, and this one was unputdownable!
James has just been discharged from the mental institution after conviction for murdering his girlfriend. A crime he doesn't remember committing.
This was a strong premise and the pacing is extremely fast throughout, and is definitely a 'read in one sitting' book.
The ending wasn't much of a surprise to me, but it was a really enjoyable read nonetheless.
I love medical thrillers, and this one was unputdownable!
James has just been discharged from the mental institution after conviction for murdering his girlfriend. A crime he doesn't remember committing.
This was a strong premise and the pacing is extremely fast throughout, and is definitely a 'read in one sitting' book.
The ending wasn't much of a surprise to me, but it was a really enjoyable read nonetheless.
September 23, 2023
4⭐️
omg this was so good! i really needed a good thriller and this just checked every box.
THE PLOT:
james was released from a mental institution after being accused of murdering his girlfriend. once released, he stays at his fathers house, whom left his entire inheritance and had previously abused him his whole life. james is doing therapy and treatment for schizophrenia, and he doesn’t know what’s reality and what isn’t. his sister janet tries to control everything down to his medication to his bank account. james feels like he’s losing it after weird things start happening around the house and they presume it to be haunted. james struggles with his mental health and throughout the book, learns to cope. at the same time, his probation officer disappears and james is left to piece everything together.
MY THOUGHTS:
i absolutely LOVED the mental health representation in this books. as someone who struggles with mental health (also diagnosed with schizophrenia), i related to what james was going through in a daily basis. i loved that this book delves in darker topics, yet it’s what people go through on a daily basis. the end was very predictable, but i’m not holding it against the book. it was still overall incredibly enjoyable.
if you’re going to read this, PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS‼️‼️ this whole book is about abuse and the effects it has on a family as a whole. i can see why this can be sensitive for some readers.
thank you netgalley, inkubator books, and cole baxter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! <3
omg this was so good! i really needed a good thriller and this just checked every box.
THE PLOT:
james was released from a mental institution after being accused of murdering his girlfriend. once released, he stays at his fathers house, whom left his entire inheritance and had previously abused him his whole life. james is doing therapy and treatment for schizophrenia, and he doesn’t know what’s reality and what isn’t. his sister janet tries to control everything down to his medication to his bank account. james feels like he’s losing it after weird things start happening around the house and they presume it to be haunted. james struggles with his mental health and throughout the book, learns to cope. at the same time, his probation officer disappears and james is left to piece everything together.
MY THOUGHTS:
i absolutely LOVED the mental health representation in this books. as someone who struggles with mental health (also diagnosed with schizophrenia), i related to what james was going through in a daily basis. i loved that this book delves in darker topics, yet it’s what people go through on a daily basis. the end was very predictable, but i’m not holding it against the book. it was still overall incredibly enjoyable.
if you’re going to read this, PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS‼️‼️ this whole book is about abuse and the effects it has on a family as a whole. i can see why this can be sensitive for some readers.
thank you netgalley, inkubator books, and cole baxter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! <3
November 25, 2023
Thank you to Cole for sending me a copy of your book! A quick read (short chapters) & perfect for someone who is trying to get into thrillers and doesn’t know where to start!
Since I do read an obscene amount of thrillers/mysteries I have a knack for figuring out plot twists so I was able to guess how this one ended.
There were certain aspects that weren’t my favorite i.e religious character and a romance that didn’t sit right with me, but overall I felt it was a good time filler and an enjoyable read!
Since I do read an obscene amount of thrillers/mysteries I have a knack for figuring out plot twists so I was able to guess how this one ended.
There were certain aspects that weren’t my favorite i.e religious character and a romance that didn’t sit right with me, but overall I felt it was a good time filler and an enjoyable read!
October 1, 2023
Stream of thought from the character and I feel like I wanted more. Overall concept was pulling but I feel like.. it just missed the mark.
September 21, 2023
Ten years ago, James Owens was convicted of the murder of his girlfriend. He couldn't remember committing the crime, and due to his fragile mental state, he was placed in a mental institution to serve his time. Now that he's due to be released, he finds out that he's inherited his family home and all of his father's wealth. James finds this odd since his twin sister Janet was always the favorite.
I struggled with this book because SO much of it was stream of consciousness thought that seemed to be filler. Constantly reading about one character and his mental illness was exhausting. It was clear he didn't like his controlling sister, so why not speak up? Instead, his actions toward her just weren't believable. I also had issues with the parole officer and that story line as again, it just wasn't believable.
When the "haunted house" business started, I was just done. There was too much going on in this book, so much so that it seemed to make a mockery out of James' illness.
While this book just wasn't for me, don't let me dissuade you. This is a popular author with a ton of great reviews. THE PATIENT will publish in early October.
I struggled with this book because SO much of it was stream of consciousness thought that seemed to be filler. Constantly reading about one character and his mental illness was exhausting. It was clear he didn't like his controlling sister, so why not speak up? Instead, his actions toward her just weren't believable. I also had issues with the parole officer and that story line as again, it just wasn't believable.
When the "haunted house" business started, I was just done. There was too much going on in this book, so much so that it seemed to make a mockery out of James' illness.
While this book just wasn't for me, don't let me dissuade you. This is a popular author with a ton of great reviews. THE PATIENT will publish in early October.
October 8, 2023
My palms are sweaty
knees weak
arms are heavy
I opens my mouth
but the words won't come out..
This pretty much sums up how I feel after reading The Patient. I am quite frankly...speechless. The Patient, took my breath away time and time again. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, Baxter, through me for another loop.
Cole Baxter, is a literary genius and I am so here for it.
The twists in this book are wild!!!
Before I give something away, I will just leave you with this little teaser and advice...
BUY THE BOOK
Teaser:
ames thought he’d be safe in this old house. He was wrong.
Ten years ago, James Owens was convicted of a murder he couldn’t remember committing. Now, finally released from the mental institution where he’s served his time, he is placed under house arrest in the sprawling family home he has inherited from his father.
Living in isolation, visited only by his therapist, parole officer, and supportive but controlling twin Janet, he at least has something resembling peace. But he is still haunted by hallucinations, nightmares, and bizarre memories which may or may not be real.
Strange sounds in the house, and objects which disappear or are mysteriously damaged all add to his fear that he is sliding into uncontrolled insanity again.
But is he? Or is his fragile mental state being manipulated by someone with a sinister agenda of their own?
When tragedy strikes, James must go on a journey that will force him to confront the past – and the haunted depths of his own tortured soul.
knees weak
arms are heavy
I opens my mouth
but the words won't come out..
This pretty much sums up how I feel after reading The Patient. I am quite frankly...speechless. The Patient, took my breath away time and time again. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, Baxter, through me for another loop.
Cole Baxter, is a literary genius and I am so here for it.
The twists in this book are wild!!!
Before I give something away, I will just leave you with this little teaser and advice...
BUY THE BOOK
Teaser:
ames thought he’d be safe in this old house. He was wrong.
Ten years ago, James Owens was convicted of a murder he couldn’t remember committing. Now, finally released from the mental institution where he’s served his time, he is placed under house arrest in the sprawling family home he has inherited from his father.
Living in isolation, visited only by his therapist, parole officer, and supportive but controlling twin Janet, he at least has something resembling peace. But he is still haunted by hallucinations, nightmares, and bizarre memories which may or may not be real.
Strange sounds in the house, and objects which disappear or are mysteriously damaged all add to his fear that he is sliding into uncontrolled insanity again.
But is he? Or is his fragile mental state being manipulated by someone with a sinister agenda of their own?
When tragedy strikes, James must go on a journey that will force him to confront the past – and the haunted depths of his own tortured soul.
September 28, 2023
The Patient had me in a chokehold and I couldn’t move until I had all the answers. It was totally worth all the stress!
Honestly, this book caught me completely off kilter. I’ve read a few of Cole Baxter’s books before but The Patient is in a league all its own. Not only did it grip me in only a few words, but my brain tried to come up with plausible connections all were wrong, of course. My tea went cold, the blanket was tossed to the side, and I had my kindle in a death grip. I sacked off the chores for the day because there was no way I was moving.
Mental health is a subject very close to my heart. I’m sure we’ve all been there, right? We’ve all gone through periods in our lives where things have just got too much. The stress of everyday life, financial woes, health worries, and genetic predispositions to anxiety and depression. I think if you haven’t experienced poor mental health then you’re an extremely lucky individual.
Cole Baxter has taken a many difficult themes and created a story that makes your heart plummet. The reader gets a story about an action that changed an entire life. The author served up a meal with all the extras – the gravy, the stuffing, the works.
This book made me feel it all. I had extreme feelings of anger, sadness, and fear. The author did his job well. The reader was given such an important starting point and it just careened like an avalanche you can’t stop; all you can do is jump out the way and hope for the best.
James Owens was committed to a mental hospital ten years ago after being convicted with the murder of his girlfriend. He was deemed incapable of coping with his actions, so he spent his time in hospital. I enjoyed the relationship between James and his probation officer. It was heartwarming to see someone in his corner. Someone who was willing to take a look at his case and see if everything added up or something fishy had gone on. In the meantime, James has his sister to stay to help him readjust to life on the outside and let me tell you, I have never come across a nastier piece of work than her. Some serious jealousy festering within her.
My brain went into overdrive as the story progressed. I had the best time coming up with the most far-fetched, unbelievable theories and still I got them completely wrong. Cole Baxter led me up a deserted path and jumped out at me. The blend of adrenaline and questions increase to a fever and pitch and by the end you feel emotionally wrung out.
Honestly, this book caught me completely off kilter. I’ve read a few of Cole Baxter’s books before but The Patient is in a league all its own. Not only did it grip me in only a few words, but my brain tried to come up with plausible connections all were wrong, of course. My tea went cold, the blanket was tossed to the side, and I had my kindle in a death grip. I sacked off the chores for the day because there was no way I was moving.
Mental health is a subject very close to my heart. I’m sure we’ve all been there, right? We’ve all gone through periods in our lives where things have just got too much. The stress of everyday life, financial woes, health worries, and genetic predispositions to anxiety and depression. I think if you haven’t experienced poor mental health then you’re an extremely lucky individual.
Cole Baxter has taken a many difficult themes and created a story that makes your heart plummet. The reader gets a story about an action that changed an entire life. The author served up a meal with all the extras – the gravy, the stuffing, the works.
This book made me feel it all. I had extreme feelings of anger, sadness, and fear. The author did his job well. The reader was given such an important starting point and it just careened like an avalanche you can’t stop; all you can do is jump out the way and hope for the best.
James Owens was committed to a mental hospital ten years ago after being convicted with the murder of his girlfriend. He was deemed incapable of coping with his actions, so he spent his time in hospital. I enjoyed the relationship between James and his probation officer. It was heartwarming to see someone in his corner. Someone who was willing to take a look at his case and see if everything added up or something fishy had gone on. In the meantime, James has his sister to stay to help him readjust to life on the outside and let me tell you, I have never come across a nastier piece of work than her. Some serious jealousy festering within her.
My brain went into overdrive as the story progressed. I had the best time coming up with the most far-fetched, unbelievable theories and still I got them completely wrong. Cole Baxter led me up a deserted path and jumped out at me. The blend of adrenaline and questions increase to a fever and pitch and by the end you feel emotionally wrung out.
November 25, 2023
3⭐️!
Psychological thrillers are my favorite genre! Thank you so much to the author, Cole for sending me a copy.
It had short chapters and was an easy quick read. I would say this is good for beginners getting into the thriller genre.
It was compared to Freida McFadden, which I can see as relatively accurate just in the way that it’s written. It’s a popcorn thriller! Incredibly annoying characters that drive you crazy (isn’t that the point?!) I’m looking at you Janet!! Which also happens to be my aunts name which was weird reading 😂
I liked this book but didn’t love it. The romance was a little cringe😅 While I did figure out who the villain was very early on, I still liked the reasoning for it! There were times I thought maybe I was wrong, and I like to be challenged! I thought the mental health aspect to this was accurate and a good representation
Psychological thrillers are my favorite genre! Thank you so much to the author, Cole for sending me a copy.
It had short chapters and was an easy quick read. I would say this is good for beginners getting into the thriller genre.
It was compared to Freida McFadden, which I can see as relatively accurate just in the way that it’s written. It’s a popcorn thriller! Incredibly annoying characters that drive you crazy (isn’t that the point?!) I’m looking at you Janet!! Which also happens to be my aunts name which was weird reading 😂
I liked this book but didn’t love it. The romance was a little cringe😅 While I did figure out who the villain was very early on, I still liked the reasoning for it! There were times I thought maybe I was wrong, and I like to be challenged! I thought the mental health aspect to this was accurate and a good representation
September 29, 2023
Wow! This book checked every box! The story offers a compelling (and often uncomfortable) look at trauma and the relationship between survivors and their narcissistic family. It's engaging, has good character development, and has a ton of twists (YEEEEES)!
Without giving away too much, the plot takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. You go from wondering what's going on to whether the narrator is reliable, to ghosts (seriously!) and back. It's everything you asked for in a thriller book. Get your hands on a copy and enjoy!
I would like to thank NetGalley for the chance to read this amazing book in exchange for an honest review.
Without giving away too much, the plot takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. You go from wondering what's going on to whether the narrator is reliable, to ghosts (seriously!) and back. It's everything you asked for in a thriller book. Get your hands on a copy and enjoy!
I would like to thank NetGalley for the chance to read this amazing book in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2023
Oh, my days! What a book! My favourite one yet by Cole! What an absolutely twisty, thrilling ride that will actually have you questioning your own sanity. Despite believing James was right I still had to question whether he was truly as crazy as we have been made to believe, or if there was something larger at play.
This book is so dark and messed up, but it’s one hell of a ride, that I won’t forget for a long while! Cole has written such an intense book of lies and deceit and it really does pull the rug out from under you. The thing is, I just knew everything I believed was true, but it takes talent to make you question and doubt what you think is real, and Cole achieves that here tenfold.
I went in blind and had no idea what I was getting involved in! I didn’t expect this!
This is by far my favourite book by Cole! His writing is getting stronger and stronger, and his manipulation in each book is something for a reader to worry about! He is truly talented at what he does!
I loved it!! Absolutely mind-bendingly loved it!!!
This book is so dark and messed up, but it’s one hell of a ride, that I won’t forget for a long while! Cole has written such an intense book of lies and deceit and it really does pull the rug out from under you. The thing is, I just knew everything I believed was true, but it takes talent to make you question and doubt what you think is real, and Cole achieves that here tenfold.
I went in blind and had no idea what I was getting involved in! I didn’t expect this!
This is by far my favourite book by Cole! His writing is getting stronger and stronger, and his manipulation in each book is something for a reader to worry about! He is truly talented at what he does!
I loved it!! Absolutely mind-bendingly loved it!!!
October 16, 2023
After being in a mental institution for a crime he has no recollection of for the last 10 years, James is released and living in the home he grew up in. Any book that's published by Inkubator Books, I read the synopsis but then I go in blind because I forget what I read! I have never been disappointed in a book published by Inkubator because they are always unique and well written and the twists are unlimited.
October 12, 2023
This book will second guess what you think is going on! It’s really hard not to be suspicious of everyone, including James himself. Baxter skillfully describes James’ mental health issues, and keeps trying to make sure that the correct terminology is used.
I couldn’t put this book down. I kept reading because I needed to know what was going on, how things were happening, and why things were happening. I had a feeling that I knew who had the sinister agenda and I was right. But that didn’t take away from the book at all. It made it more enjoyable because I still kept guessing at other aspects.
This is a great, fast read thriller. I would highly recommend it to anyone that loves a good thriller.
I couldn’t put this book down. I kept reading because I needed to know what was going on, how things were happening, and why things were happening. I had a feeling that I knew who had the sinister agenda and I was right. But that didn’t take away from the book at all. It made it more enjoyable because I still kept guessing at other aspects.
This is a great, fast read thriller. I would highly recommend it to anyone that loves a good thriller.
November 24, 2023
I had such great fun reading this.
I felt like I couldn't put this book down and I found myself invested in finding out the truth behind the past and the truth behind the events occurring in the present. I loved having to try work out whether certain events were happening or if they were only happening inside James' head. There's something so fun about reading about an unreliable narrator or a possible unreliable one.
I would love to check out another work by this author and I can't wait to see what comes next.
Thank you to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I felt like I couldn't put this book down and I found myself invested in finding out the truth behind the past and the truth behind the events occurring in the present. I loved having to try work out whether certain events were happening or if they were only happening inside James' head. There's something so fun about reading about an unreliable narrator or a possible unreliable one.
I would love to check out another work by this author and I can't wait to see what comes next.
Thank you to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2023
Sadly, this one just wasn't for me. I found it to be so predictable, and I didn't care much for the writing style. I did like James, but I got frustrated with him so many times when he was dealing with Janet because he so easily flipped from being strong to weak. I also did not buy into the relationship he had with his parole officer. I'm pretty sure that would never happen in real life!
If you are new to reading psychological thrillers, you might enjoy this one.
Thank you, @netgalley and @inkubatorbooks for the #gifted e-arc of this book!
2.5 stars rounded
If you are new to reading psychological thrillers, you might enjoy this one.
Thank you, @netgalley and @inkubatorbooks for the #gifted e-arc of this book!
2.5 stars rounded
September 22, 2023
Wow!! This was a great read! I don’t think it was quite what I was expecting but it was very well written and had me guessing to the very end! James is finally released from a court mandated sentence in a mental hospital to his childhood home that was left to him by his abusive father. He doesn’t remember much of his childhood or even what he did to put him in prison. He’s been told his entire life that he’s been the problem child due to his mental illness, especially his twin Janet never misses an opportunity to remind him. But is he really the problem? Could he have done what they accused him of doing? There’s something in the house that is making him question his sanity. This was a great fast paced read!!
September 25, 2023
I did not enjoy this book and DNF at 48%. I got almost half way through and so far nothing has really happened. I can’t stand Janet and can predict how it ends. Everything I’ve read so far has seemed like filler.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this ARC.
March 6, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I’ll be frank - this was a disappointing read. It started off strongly, and the premise was interesting enough to draw me in, but it missed the mark for me.
You could immediately tell that Janet was bad news, and although there were minor moments of doubt along the way, it remained obvious that she was going to be the villain of the story. The author didn't give her any redeeming factors, so we never got a reprieve from the relentless gaslighting & downright spiteful behaviour, and we as readers were never given the opportunity to wonder how the story was going to play out. I kept thinking, ‘Surely it’s not going to be this predictable?’ But alas, it was.
There were also components of the storyline that felt like filler, since the details weren’t fully established; for example, why did James’s probation officer Brianna sleep with him? It initially seemed to me that he had an unreciprocated crush, since there wasn’t really any tangible chemistry between the two of them, so this sudden turn of events seemed to come out of the blue. The secret passageways behind the house and the brief mentions of incestuous abuse were not explored at all, and this meant that a lot of the writing felt unfinished.
The writing was simply & easy to read, and this may be a good choice for thriller beginners, but it made for a rather tedious read overall.
I’ll be frank - this was a disappointing read. It started off strongly, and the premise was interesting enough to draw me in, but it missed the mark for me.
You could immediately tell that Janet was bad news, and although there were minor moments of doubt along the way, it remained obvious that she was going to be the villain of the story. The author didn't give her any redeeming factors, so we never got a reprieve from the relentless gaslighting & downright spiteful behaviour, and we as readers were never given the opportunity to wonder how the story was going to play out. I kept thinking, ‘Surely it’s not going to be this predictable?’ But alas, it was.
There were also components of the storyline that felt like filler, since the details weren’t fully established; for example, why did James’s probation officer Brianna sleep with him? It initially seemed to me that he had an unreciprocated crush, since there wasn’t really any tangible chemistry between the two of them, so this sudden turn of events seemed to come out of the blue. The secret passageways behind the house and the brief mentions of incestuous abuse were not explored at all, and this meant that a lot of the writing felt unfinished.
The writing was simply & easy to read, and this may be a good choice for thriller beginners, but it made for a rather tedious read overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
Thank you @zooloosBT for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. The Patient is a psychological thriller and is about James who committed murder, but he can’t remember doing this. I found this The Patient to be intriguing read that I could not put down. I needed to know more about James and why he was a patient. I did feel for James at time because of his childhood was not the greatest. The story was set at good pace for me and was thrilling read, If you like psychological genre , this book is for you, it is gripping and a fantastic read. 5 stars.
September 30, 2023
SPOILERS
The book started off well. I loved the premise. And I was excited to encounter a person with actual psychological issues in a psychological thriller (rare these days).
The suspense built up well. But the twist could be seen coming a mile away.
From the beginning, we know the MC's (James) sister is bad news. She was extremely unlikable and I was super frustrated that he didn't throw her out of the house right away. Her behavior with listening in on his conversations, eavesdropping, and calling him crazy constantly left me wanting to gouge my eyes out.
The relationship with the probation officer left me baffled. How could Brianna be so unprofessional? Their relationship was ridiculous and seemed out of character for Brianna to behave that way.
The bit about the tunnels in the house was unbelievable. No explanation was given as to why the house had secret passageways. And won't this have come up in the property papers, maybe in an appraisal, when James inherited?
On that note the fathers character was a caricature. I would've loved to learn more about why he was that way.
The ending was rushed. It all happened very suddenly after a long laborious process to get there.
The book started off well. I loved the premise. And I was excited to encounter a person with actual psychological issues in a psychological thriller (rare these days).
The suspense built up well. But the twist could be seen coming a mile away.
From the beginning, we know the MC's (James) sister is bad news. She was extremely unlikable and I was super frustrated that he didn't throw her out of the house right away. Her behavior with listening in on his conversations, eavesdropping, and calling him crazy constantly left me wanting to gouge my eyes out.
The relationship with the probation officer left me baffled. How could Brianna be so unprofessional? Their relationship was ridiculous and seemed out of character for Brianna to behave that way.
The bit about the tunnels in the house was unbelievable. No explanation was given as to why the house had secret passageways. And won't this have come up in the property papers, maybe in an appraisal, when James inherited?
On that note the fathers character was a caricature. I would've loved to learn more about why he was that way.
The ending was rushed. It all happened very suddenly after a long laborious process to get there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2023
James is released from a psychiatric hospital and is out on probation for an unknown crime. He’s dropped off at his childhood home and left to face his demons alone. When his sister, Janet, comes to check up on him, we start to wonder. Is James really as crazy as Janet is making him out to be or does Janet have ulterior motives in making him think he’s unstable?
I really loved the idea for this book. It’s easy to guess a big twist right away, but there’s a lot of moments of doubt along the way. Some parts of this book were too unbelievable and it seemed like it jumped forward hours or days without warning which made it a little confusing.
I really loved the idea for this book. It’s easy to guess a big twist right away, but there’s a lot of moments of doubt along the way. Some parts of this book were too unbelievable and it seemed like it jumped forward hours or days without warning which made it a little confusing.
October 20, 2023
this was such an easy, fast, addictive thriller. There’s an over-controlling sister, a probation officer, a medication prescriber, an exorcist, abusive dead father & loving mother. this was CRAZY and the characters were all written so so well. you have an inkling from the start of what’s really going down, but to see it all play out, and to see the house play a part (i was picturing like the animated movie monster house based on the dead woman) was so imaginative and fun. would recommend if you’re in a reading slump or just want a quick, easy thriller to binge. ⠀
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thank you @zooloosbooktours for including me on the tour for this one 🩵🌙✨⠀
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thank you @zooloosbooktours for including me on the tour for this one 🩵🌙✨⠀
September 20, 2023
What a fantastic read! On the edge of my seat to see what was going on. The main character James had my heart, institutionalized for a crime he couldn’t remember committing. His sister Janet was a nightmare, and I absolutely hated her (I’m not sure I’ve ever been disgusted by a fictional characters actions, but she was the worst!). This was a twisty-tale of what was real & what was a delusion. Easy 5-Stars for me.
November 2, 2023
The Patient by Cole Baxter.
I did enjoy this book. Cole has done it again. Gripping and twisty. I did not like Janet at all. I did feel for James. I did have a theory. I was right but still a brilliant read. Definitely recommend. 5*.
I did enjoy this book. Cole has done it again. Gripping and twisty. I did not like Janet at all. I did feel for James. I did have a theory. I was right but still a brilliant read. Definitely recommend. 5*.
September 29, 2023
For me, this was just . . . OK. It had a great premise but it just fell flat. Which is a real shame because I was drawn in by the fact the MC, James, has schizophrenia and was admitted to a mental hospital after being accused of a crime he doesn't recall committing. The story takes place 10 years later, when he is released back in to society and back to his family home which hides many painful memories for him and his twin sister, Janet, many that he has repressed. The book had real promise but I felt like there was something missing to this story. In the beginning I couldn't put my finger on it. But what I think is missing is depth. It's lacking depth. The story, the way things within it were explained, it felt too brief. The writing was immature; James is an adult but the way in which he speaks makes him seem younger. Janet, his sister, was just insufferable and their dynamic had me so frustrated (which was actually a good thing because it made me feel something). James is such a doormat when it comes to Janet. On so many occasions he let her walk all over him. She was controlling, manipulative and gaslit him. I didn't like her the moment she was introduced. I didn't like her the moment it was said she was in his corner and had his back. And why on earth would you agree to let your sister have full access to your bank account simply to avoid arguments (she didnt think he could be trusted to control his own finances)? In reality, no lawyer would agree to setting up a second fake bank account to have the sister believe she has access to his real account. No lawyer would humour him and go along with her having access to his account. There were several occasions throughout the book that I felt weren't realistic.
I found it a little irksome when James revealed to Janet over the phone that he felt his meds weren't working as things around the house kept going missing. We, as a reader, had no idea this was happening! As a reader, this was our first time finding out about it and I'm not a fan of things happening off page. It just seemed a bit disjointed.
Although it's hinted at there being some attraction between James and his probation officer, Brianna; a few smiles here, brief touching of hands, clutching hands while he was having a panic attack . . . It just didn't make sense for her to appear in his bedroom when he got out of the shower and proclaim she missed him. It felt too sudden. Like things had developed too quickly. The sex scene was so unnecessary. For this to happen, there really needed to be more building of their relationship beforehand. It felt like it came out of nowhere. Not to mention the whole thing with them was unrealistic anyway becasue she was his probation officer.
In the epilogue it is 6 months later, after it had all concluded, but James is only just now being released from his probation. He was found innocent, so why was he still on probation? That doesn't make sense. Another hole is that when he finds out the truth about everything that happens when they were kids, he acts shocked when his sister implied she was sexually abused by their dad. Yet much earlier in the book, this had already been revealed. This book could have been great but it just needed delving in to a bit more, more research done on the law side of things. The real killer was very predictable. I'd figured it out from the start. Although this book wasn't for me, don't let that stop you from reading it to see what you think for yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2023
@bookwormdanii ⭐️ BOOK REVIEW ⭐️
The Patient by Cole Baxter
My Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
**Spoilers**
Review: Wow. Just wow. This book has left me speechless and my mind spinning in circles. I felt completely insane reading this book and what a great job Cole Baxter did of that. It follows James Owens just after his release from a mental hospital after being found guilty for killing his girlfriend. His twin sister Janet stays with him and ‘helps’ him adjust to life outside of the hospital. But let me tell you, something is OFF about Janet from the moment the reader meets her.
The entire Owens family history is hard to digest and left my thinking how any child could survive such abuse. With an abusive father and what was told to be an unwell mother, Janet and James were left to fend for themselves to try to avoid beatings as best they could.
Riddled with aggression the father beat their mother to death in a memory that took James weeks of intense therapy to recall. Janet had always claimed to be on his side when in fact she was the one who was behind his arrest and being put into a mental facility. The entire family history of horror comes to a head in the final few chapters revealing the truth about James’ childhood and adulthood.
This book will make you think you’re going insane while reading it and make you question every move James and Janet take. Are you ready to jump on the roller coaster that is this psychological thriller?
Trigger Warnings:
Domestic abuse
Child abuse
Murder
Hallucinations
Mental abuse
Physical abuse
The Patient by Cole Baxter
My Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
**Spoilers**
Review: Wow. Just wow. This book has left me speechless and my mind spinning in circles. I felt completely insane reading this book and what a great job Cole Baxter did of that. It follows James Owens just after his release from a mental hospital after being found guilty for killing his girlfriend. His twin sister Janet stays with him and ‘helps’ him adjust to life outside of the hospital. But let me tell you, something is OFF about Janet from the moment the reader meets her.
The entire Owens family history is hard to digest and left my thinking how any child could survive such abuse. With an abusive father and what was told to be an unwell mother, Janet and James were left to fend for themselves to try to avoid beatings as best they could.
Riddled with aggression the father beat their mother to death in a memory that took James weeks of intense therapy to recall. Janet had always claimed to be on his side when in fact she was the one who was behind his arrest and being put into a mental facility. The entire family history of horror comes to a head in the final few chapters revealing the truth about James’ childhood and adulthood.
This book will make you think you’re going insane while reading it and make you question every move James and Janet take. Are you ready to jump on the roller coaster that is this psychological thriller?
Trigger Warnings:
Domestic abuse
Child abuse
Murder
Hallucinations
Mental abuse
Physical abuse
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2023
A book about a man who was sent away to a mental hospital after committing some crime, and then being released on probation.. as he starts to return to normal life, there are things that begin to concern him about his own health and the stories he had been told from various people in his life.. his twin sister arrives to assist, but why is it that when she is there he is beginning to feel worse. who can he trust what is real? It’s all very difficult to unravel with an unreliable narrator who doesn’t know his own mind.. the book is written in a way that seems a little amateur with the prose but the message gets across if you take it from the first person point of view a quick read gets a little silly at the end but is overall and okay read.
October 22, 2023
Worth 5 stars+, this gripping mystery latches onto the reader and provides a masterful ride. I was wowed as eerie events unfolded in the book. It is true that the beginning lags a bit, but after providing evidence as to the narrator's credibility, the ride intensifies. James, a recently released asylum inmate, confronts a complicated world, having spent much of his life as a patient. His psychotic behavior and past "supposed" crimes envelop the reader, but the reader's sympathy for James belies the evidence of any wrongdoing. Isolated and reluctant to interact with "sane" folks, he clings to therapist, probation officer, and sister Janet. A convoluted plot ensues. Ghostly phenomena, strange appearances, and unexplained disappearances manifest in his house, inherited from his overbearing, abusive father. Suffice it to say, crime devotees will salivate tensely while reading the text. Get it and savor it. You will not regret it!
September 25, 2023
Whenever I see a Cole Baxter book I will always priortise it. I find them a great escape and get totally absorbed into the book.
This one was different to most - but no less good, just a different book by this author. I read this in one afternoon as I wanted to find out what happened. The first half dealt with mental health, the second more of a thriller both really good.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
This one was different to most - but no less good, just a different book by this author. I read this in one afternoon as I wanted to find out what happened. The first half dealt with mental health, the second more of a thriller both really good.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
May 21, 2025
My favourite in the boxset, I really could not step away from this read.
James, oh my gosh did I feel for you, struggling with what was real and not. He comes over as such a gentle soul.
Janet however his twin, no no no! instant dislike 😂
A great story, creepy, short chapters, dark subject matter but oh so good.
Highly recommend this book
Thank you @zooloosbooktours @colebaxterauthor @inkubatorbooks for having me on the tour and for a copy of this ebook.
James, oh my gosh did I feel for you, struggling with what was real and not. He comes over as such a gentle soul.
Janet however his twin, no no no! instant dislike 😂
A great story, creepy, short chapters, dark subject matter but oh so good.
Highly recommend this book
Thank you @zooloosbooktours @colebaxterauthor @inkubatorbooks for having me on the tour and for a copy of this ebook.
October 2, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
First time I read from this author and I really loved his writing style. Sometimes it felt a little slow but it was so well written that it didn't bother me ! One of the characters got under my skin and I wanted to scratch their eyes out 🤣. I really loved the ending too.
First time I read from this author and I really loved his writing style. Sometimes it felt a little slow but it was so well written that it didn't bother me ! One of the characters got under my skin and I wanted to scratch their eyes out 🤣. I really loved the ending too.
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