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The Grief Doctor
If you had the option to not feel grief at the death of someone you loved - to remember them but not feel pain at their loss - would you take it?
'A place free of judgement. for a life free of pain'
The Elizabeth Codelle Therapeutic Institute is the world's most exclusive clinic: eye-wateringly expensive and located on a small island off the Welsh coast, it is run by controversial genius Dr Codelle. She takes only one patient at a time, she keeps them away from the outside world while they're in her care - and she gets results. Because Dr Codelle doesn't just promise an easing of the symptoms of addiction, she promises a total cure. And widower Arthur, whose grief at the loss of his wife has brought him to the point of destruction, can't be allowed to leave the island.
Not until he submits to Codelle's treatment, and is all better...
'A place free of judgement. for a life free of pain'
The Elizabeth Codelle Therapeutic Institute is the world's most exclusive clinic: eye-wateringly expensive and located on a small island off the Welsh coast, it is run by controversial genius Dr Codelle. She takes only one patient at a time, she keeps them away from the outside world while they're in her care - and she gets results. Because Dr Codelle doesn't just promise an easing of the symptoms of addiction, she promises a total cure. And widower Arthur, whose grief at the loss of his wife has brought him to the point of destruction, can't be allowed to leave the island.
Not until he submits to Codelle's treatment, and is all better...
- GenresThriller
368 pages, Hardcover
Published June 6, 2024
6 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 31, 2024
After Arthur's wife Julia dies, he cannot cope with the grief. His mother sends him to a remote island to be treated by Dr Codelle. However it soon becomes clear that her methods are extreme and she is determined to cure Arthur at any cost.
The Grief Doctor is a brilliant book.
From the very start I really felt for Arthur and found myself completely invested in his story. Even though Julia's death occurred before the start of the book, you get such beautifully written glimpses into their life and could see how close their relationship was.
I was intrigued by the idea of the clinic and what it might involve. The island setting was so chilling, especially as Arthur was the only patient staying there.
Dr Codelle is definitely one of the most terrifying characters you will ever meet. There were so many dark moments where I thought "this can't be happening" and I felt constantly on edge.
This is a heart-wrenching and gripping story about what it means to be human, and I guarantee you won't be able to put it down.
The Grief Doctor is a brilliant book.
From the very start I really felt for Arthur and found myself completely invested in his story. Even though Julia's death occurred before the start of the book, you get such beautifully written glimpses into their life and could see how close their relationship was.
I was intrigued by the idea of the clinic and what it might involve. The island setting was so chilling, especially as Arthur was the only patient staying there.
Dr Codelle is definitely one of the most terrifying characters you will ever meet. There were so many dark moments where I thought "this can't be happening" and I felt constantly on edge.
This is a heart-wrenching and gripping story about what it means to be human, and I guarantee you won't be able to put it down.
February 7, 2024
3.5 🌟
This was an interesting one! How far would you go to rid yourself of all consuming grief?
Having finished the book, I can now say, not this far!
It's quite the wild ride at times, a real roller-coaster, and intense with such a small cast of characters.
I think its going to be a great one for discussion, is the end result worth it?
Enjoyable.
This was an interesting one! How far would you go to rid yourself of all consuming grief?
Having finished the book, I can now say, not this far!
It's quite the wild ride at times, a real roller-coaster, and intense with such a small cast of characters.
I think its going to be a great one for discussion, is the end result worth it?
Enjoyable.
February 24, 2025
The premise of The Grief Doctor is pure gold: a secretive island clinic that offers an extreme cure for grief? That’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets Shutter Island, and I was ready for a psychological rollercoaster. Unfortunately, what I got felt more like a slow-moving train on a very predictable track.
Let’s start with our protagonist, Arthur. His grief is consuming him, and he’s desperate for a way out. Enter Dr. Elizabeth Codelle, a supposed genius running a highly exclusive clinic that promises to erase pain forever. Sounds thrilling, right? Wrong. What follows is mostly Arthur trying to escape the island while Dr. Codelle twirls her metaphorical mustache, cackling about her grand experiment.
Speaking of Dr. Codelle, let’s talk about how disappointingly one-dimensional she is. I wanted complex, ethically grey mad scientist energy—someone who genuinely believes she’s saving the world and maybe, just maybe, convinces me too. Instead, she’s a cartoon villain. She’s all ominous proclamations and rigid, over-the-top control. Give me nuance! Give me depth! Instead, I got a villain who might as well have “DO NOT TRUST” stamped on her forehead.
As for the plot? If you’ve read literally any psychological thriller, you already know how this one goes. It’s predictable from start to finish. Every “twist” lands with a thud because you see it coming chapters ahead. Instead of gripping suspense, there’s just a slow, frustrating trudge toward the inevitable conclusion.
To be fair, the atmosphere is solid. The isolated island setting is eerie, and the book wants to explore some heavy, thought-provoking themes about grief, control, and what we’re willing to sacrifice to avoid pain. But wanting and delivering are two different things. The execution here just felt… flat.
Final verdict? The Grief Doctor had all the ingredients to be a dark, twisted, thought-provoking thriller, but it forgot to mix them properly. If you’re looking for a genuinely unsettling take on memory and loss, go rewatch Vanilla Sky instead. 2/5 stars.
Let’s start with our protagonist, Arthur. His grief is consuming him, and he’s desperate for a way out. Enter Dr. Elizabeth Codelle, a supposed genius running a highly exclusive clinic that promises to erase pain forever. Sounds thrilling, right? Wrong. What follows is mostly Arthur trying to escape the island while Dr. Codelle twirls her metaphorical mustache, cackling about her grand experiment.
Speaking of Dr. Codelle, let’s talk about how disappointingly one-dimensional she is. I wanted complex, ethically grey mad scientist energy—someone who genuinely believes she’s saving the world and maybe, just maybe, convinces me too. Instead, she’s a cartoon villain. She’s all ominous proclamations and rigid, over-the-top control. Give me nuance! Give me depth! Instead, I got a villain who might as well have “DO NOT TRUST” stamped on her forehead.
As for the plot? If you’ve read literally any psychological thriller, you already know how this one goes. It’s predictable from start to finish. Every “twist” lands with a thud because you see it coming chapters ahead. Instead of gripping suspense, there’s just a slow, frustrating trudge toward the inevitable conclusion.
To be fair, the atmosphere is solid. The isolated island setting is eerie, and the book wants to explore some heavy, thought-provoking themes about grief, control, and what we’re willing to sacrifice to avoid pain. But wanting and delivering are two different things. The execution here just felt… flat.
Final verdict? The Grief Doctor had all the ingredients to be a dark, twisted, thought-provoking thriller, but it forgot to mix them properly. If you’re looking for a genuinely unsettling take on memory and loss, go rewatch Vanilla Sky instead. 2/5 stars.
May 10, 2024
How far would you go to erase your grief after the death of a partner? When Arthur signs up to a therapy retreat on a remote island, he is ready for Dr Codelle to help him with the grief of his wife. However, the removal of that grief comes with a cost, and is Arthur ready to pay for it?
I wasn’t sure what to expect with The Grief Doctor, it didn’t have great reviews from previous readers when I started it, but I think it was a good read. Dealing in grief, it’s a difficult and polarising subject in general, and some of the therapy explored was genuinely heartbreaking and difficult to read (the video section in particular was awful!). Dr Codelle has very unorthodox methods for dealing with the addiction of grief and you are fully on Arthur’s side as he tries to escape. I would perhaps have liked a little more ‘normal’ side of the island to have been introduced before the darker side is thrown at us – I think that might have made a greater impact.
I liked that the book still felt in the realms of realism throughout – although it’s a pacy thriller, I didn’t feel taken out of the action at any point. It certainly makes you question how you feel about the idea of grief and leaves an impression on you long after you have turned the final page.
Overall, The Grief Doctor is a tricky read and one that leaves you with a lot of questions on how much grief we should hold on to when someone close to us leaves us. Thank you to NetGalley & Bloomsbury Publishing – Raven Books for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out www.kindig.co.uk
I wasn’t sure what to expect with The Grief Doctor, it didn’t have great reviews from previous readers when I started it, but I think it was a good read. Dealing in grief, it’s a difficult and polarising subject in general, and some of the therapy explored was genuinely heartbreaking and difficult to read (the video section in particular was awful!). Dr Codelle has very unorthodox methods for dealing with the addiction of grief and you are fully on Arthur’s side as he tries to escape. I would perhaps have liked a little more ‘normal’ side of the island to have been introduced before the darker side is thrown at us – I think that might have made a greater impact.
I liked that the book still felt in the realms of realism throughout – although it’s a pacy thriller, I didn’t feel taken out of the action at any point. It certainly makes you question how you feel about the idea of grief and leaves an impression on you long after you have turned the final page.
Overall, The Grief Doctor is a tricky read and one that leaves you with a lot of questions on how much grief we should hold on to when someone close to us leaves us. Thank you to NetGalley & Bloomsbury Publishing – Raven Books for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out www.kindig.co.uk
May 10, 2024
Set against the backdrop of the remote and mysterious Elizabeth Codelle Therapeutic Institute, this chilling tale of genius, morality, and consequences will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
What sets "The Grief Doctor" apart is its masterful exploration of complex themes such as grief, addiction, and morality. Anderson's insightful portrayal of Arthur's journey is both poignant and thought-provoking, offering readers a window into the depths of despair and the lengths one will go to find relief. Through Arthur's eyes, we are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of addiction and the consequences of seeking a quick fix.
But it's not just the themes that make "The Grief Doctor" a compelling read; Anderson's prose is vivid and evocative, transporting readers to the windswept shores of the Welsh coast and the eerie confines of the institute. His descriptions are rich and immersive, painting a picture of a world where nothing is quite as it seems.
As Arthur grapples with the moral implications of Dr. Codelle's treatment, readers will find themselves questioning their own beliefs about right and wrong. Cured or not cured.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for the opportunity to read this book.
What sets "The Grief Doctor" apart is its masterful exploration of complex themes such as grief, addiction, and morality. Anderson's insightful portrayal of Arthur's journey is both poignant and thought-provoking, offering readers a window into the depths of despair and the lengths one will go to find relief. Through Arthur's eyes, we are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of addiction and the consequences of seeking a quick fix.
But it's not just the themes that make "The Grief Doctor" a compelling read; Anderson's prose is vivid and evocative, transporting readers to the windswept shores of the Welsh coast and the eerie confines of the institute. His descriptions are rich and immersive, painting a picture of a world where nothing is quite as it seems.
As Arthur grapples with the moral implications of Dr. Codelle's treatment, readers will find themselves questioning their own beliefs about right and wrong. Cured or not cured.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for the opportunity to read this book.
May 22, 2024
Arthur arrives at Doctor Elizabeth Codelle’s exclusive therapeutic institute, on an isolated island, to start treatment for the grief he is experiencing for his wife. She promises that she can totally cure him but treatment is radical and he can not leave until he is completely cured. Will he get better and escape the island?
This was a great concept which I was interested in reading. The story quickly turned very dark and disturbing while raising intriguing questions about what you would do to eliminate grief and exploring addiction. I enjoyed that this was threaded with psychology and the eerie atmosphere the author managed to create. The pacing was up and down for me and I found that at times I wasn’t as invested as I should be, however this was definitely a well written thriller that makes you want to discuss with others. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This was a great concept which I was interested in reading. The story quickly turned very dark and disturbing while raising intriguing questions about what you would do to eliminate grief and exploring addiction. I enjoyed that this was threaded with psychology and the eerie atmosphere the author managed to create. The pacing was up and down for me and I found that at times I wasn’t as invested as I should be, however this was definitely a well written thriller that makes you want to discuss with others. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
September 27, 2025
The Grief Doctor
I was intrigued by the premise of The Grief Doctor. Arthur, devastated by the loss of his wife Julia, spirals into despair and attempts suicide. His mother recommends that he see a specialist Dr. Codelle. Her clinic is at a remote island and has unorthodox methods of treating addiction. She considers grief as an addiction.
The story stands out for its originality and the complex moral dilemmas it explores. I found those aspects genuinely compelling. That said, the prose was a bit too wordy for my taste, and the poetic language didn’t quite resonate with me. Still, it was a thought-provoking and memorable read.
I think it would be a good read for a book club group as it would certainly create a great debate.
I was intrigued by the premise of The Grief Doctor. Arthur, devastated by the loss of his wife Julia, spirals into despair and attempts suicide. His mother recommends that he see a specialist Dr. Codelle. Her clinic is at a remote island and has unorthodox methods of treating addiction. She considers grief as an addiction.
The story stands out for its originality and the complex moral dilemmas it explores. I found those aspects genuinely compelling. That said, the prose was a bit too wordy for my taste, and the poetic language didn’t quite resonate with me. Still, it was a thought-provoking and memorable read.
I think it would be a good read for a book club group as it would certainly create a great debate.
July 5, 2024
Arthur was devastated by the death of his wife. He has no interest in anything & attempted suicide. His mother is beside herself with worry & when she hears of the work of Dr Elizabeth Codelle it seems like a last resort. She runs a clinic on a small island off the West Coast, She takes one patient at a time & it is horrifyingly expensive but it will be worth it. Arthur agrees to try it, little realising what he was letting himself in for.
This was an interesting concept & the setting was well done. It captured the claustrophobic atmosphere very well. I'm not sure why I didn't enjoy it more than I did. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
This was an interesting concept & the setting was well done. It captured the claustrophobic atmosphere very well. I'm not sure why I didn't enjoy it more than I did. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
September 21, 2024
After being introduced to Jack's left right game story through the youtube series creep cast, I was instantly hooked by his writing style and fascinating story concepts.
This book does everything I loved about the left right game, and steps above it in a thousand ways.
There were so many times, especially near the end, where I was completely shocked looking at the words probably with a stupid expression on my face.
I loved the tone change at the end with Arthur too, without getting into spoilers...
I'm really excited to see what Jack makes next, and I'd 100% recommend reading if you're a fan of phycological horror :)
This book does everything I loved about the left right game, and steps above it in a thousand ways.
There were so many times, especially near the end, where I was completely shocked looking at the words probably with a stupid expression on my face.
I loved the tone change at the end with Arthur too, without getting into spoilers...
I'm really excited to see what Jack makes next, and I'd 100% recommend reading if you're a fan of phycological horror :)
June 5, 2024
What extent would you go to, to not feel grief? Arthur becomes a young widow and burdened with the extreme sadness of his loss finds himself at a therapeutic retreat on a remote island under the control of the genius, and mysterious Dr Codelle. As the treatments become more extreme, the unorthodox therapeutic methods are pushed and the darkness quickly creeps in. This was a well written and thought provoking novel, with the burden and depth of grief insightfully explored. The plot keeps a steady pace, with good twists.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 12, 2024
A book covering universal themes; love, grief and your relationship with your mother.
It's dark and it can be harrowing - really makes you stop and think (which I embraced).
¤ Immediately connected with Arthur
¤ Aide de camp was a brilliant character
¤ Really felt the claustrophibic setting
☆Would recommend to anyone who enjoys dark themes
It's dark and it can be harrowing - really makes you stop and think (which I embraced).
¤ Immediately connected with Arthur
¤ Aide de camp was a brilliant character
¤ Really felt the claustrophibic setting
☆Would recommend to anyone who enjoys dark themes
March 25, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
This is an unusual story that's well plotted. There are twists to keep you guessing and the plot is just this side of credible. The satisfying ending helped to make for an enjoyable read.
This is an unusual story that's well plotted. There are twists to keep you guessing and the plot is just this side of credible. The satisfying ending helped to make for an enjoyable read.
July 12, 2024
This is such an thought provoking book, how far would you go to cure grief???? Controversial but I have to say I see Codel's perspective, but read the book and decide for yourself!
June 1, 2025
Interesting but would have worked better as a short story.
April 5, 2024
The Grief Doctor is the debut novel from Jack Anderson and will be published in June 2024.
The story centres around Arthur, a young widower who can not get over or move on from the tragic death of his young wife. Despite grief counselling and regular therapy sessions, Arthur just can’t cope without his beloved soulmate. Struggling to carry on, he attempts to take his own life and finds himself waking up in hospital.
Arthur’s mother, an extremely wealthy woman and CEO of a very large, successful international company is understandably worried sick about her son. Unable to sit by and watch him fall apart, she wants to help him any way possible at any cost.
The Elizabeth Codelle Institute is a therapeutic rehabilitation centre run by Elizabeth Codelle, the youngest ever graduate from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm who lectured at Oxford before she was 25 and ran a leading psychiatric practice in LA where she was given the John Bright Fellow Award! Usually, it’s only bestowed following a lifetime of significant contribution to the field of psychology.
The Institute is located on a tiny isolated island off the coast of Wales and only takes one patient at a time (at an exorbitant price) and reluctantly Arthur agrees to a two week intense one-to-one programme with Codelle, or at least that what he thinks, because when he arrives everything becomes really dark and dangerous.
Codelle’s methods are harsh, disturbing and unrelentless. She’s determined to “help” Arthur face his grief and remove any emotions he has for his late wife by some very unorthodox treatment and Arthur just wants to get off the island and escape.
The Grief Doctor is a fast paced, emotional thriller which I really enjoyed. With a small cast, the story was intense and quite heavy in places. The subject of grief was dealt with sensitivity, and the “treatment methods” whilst unorthodox were certainly thought provoking.
I think this book would make a great book club choice as it certainly triggers some interesting discussion points and leaves the reader asking themselves “if you had the option to not feel grief at the death of someone you loved – to remember them but not feel pain at their loss – would you take it?”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The story centres around Arthur, a young widower who can not get over or move on from the tragic death of his young wife. Despite grief counselling and regular therapy sessions, Arthur just can’t cope without his beloved soulmate. Struggling to carry on, he attempts to take his own life and finds himself waking up in hospital.
Arthur’s mother, an extremely wealthy woman and CEO of a very large, successful international company is understandably worried sick about her son. Unable to sit by and watch him fall apart, she wants to help him any way possible at any cost.
The Elizabeth Codelle Institute is a therapeutic rehabilitation centre run by Elizabeth Codelle, the youngest ever graduate from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm who lectured at Oxford before she was 25 and ran a leading psychiatric practice in LA where she was given the John Bright Fellow Award! Usually, it’s only bestowed following a lifetime of significant contribution to the field of psychology.
The Institute is located on a tiny isolated island off the coast of Wales and only takes one patient at a time (at an exorbitant price) and reluctantly Arthur agrees to a two week intense one-to-one programme with Codelle, or at least that what he thinks, because when he arrives everything becomes really dark and dangerous.
Codelle’s methods are harsh, disturbing and unrelentless. She’s determined to “help” Arthur face his grief and remove any emotions he has for his late wife by some very unorthodox treatment and Arthur just wants to get off the island and escape.
The Grief Doctor is a fast paced, emotional thriller which I really enjoyed. With a small cast, the story was intense and quite heavy in places. The subject of grief was dealt with sensitivity, and the “treatment methods” whilst unorthodox were certainly thought provoking.
I think this book would make a great book club choice as it certainly triggers some interesting discussion points and leaves the reader asking themselves “if you had the option to not feel grief at the death of someone you loved – to remember them but not feel pain at their loss – would you take it?”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews